Social justice advocate, Ken Henshaw, has strongly criticised the decision by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to withdraw criminal complaints against Comfort Emmanson, describing the move as a compromise that undermines justice.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had on Wednesday announced that he brokered a settlement in recent cases of unruly behaviour at Nigeria’s airports, including those involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (Kwam 1) and Emmanson. Keyamo said the resolution, which included the withdrawal of all complaints, was made in the spirit of compassion.
However, Henshaw, who is the Executive Director of the civil society organisation We The People, rejected the settlement as inadequate, arguing that it ignores the harm allegedly inflicted on Emmanson during an incident at Lagos Airport.
“Ibom Air and the Aviation Authority have withdrawn the case against the lady who was abused, beaten, stripped, filmed, defamed, and arrested,” Henshaw said. “They say everything can now return to the status quo — no prosecutions, no harm done. But what about the injury to Comfort? Who will withdraw her humiliation, the videos recorded and shared, and the stigma she will carry for the rest of her life?”
The activist stressed that justice demands accountability for those responsible, insisting that Ibom Air and the relevant authorities should face consequences if found culpable.
Henshaw’s remarks have reignited public debate over the handling of high-profile misconduct cases in Nigeria’s aviation sector, with many questioning whether reconciliation should outweigh accountability in cases involving alleged abuse and human rights violations.
Vanguard
