Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, describing it as a glaring example of “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system.
In a statement on Monday via his official X handle, Obi expressed sympathy to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by passenger Comfort Emmanson, but condemned what he called the “dehumanising treatment” meted out to her.
Emmanson, who was accused of assaulting flight and ground staff during an Ibom Airline flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025, was reportedly stripped publicly before being rushed to court and remanded at Kirikiri Prison after failing to meet bail conditions.
Obi contrasted her treatment with that of another individual who recently caused a major flight disruption but has not been arrested or prosecuted, noting that some government officials have even called for leniency in that case.
“This case is not just about one young woman; it is about the double standards that poison our justice system,” Obi wrote. “Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
He argued that Emmanson’s offence “does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as ‘excellencies’ while looting public funds without consequence,” stressing that the poor are often punished swiftly while politically connected offenders escape accountability.
“The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all,” he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has also reacted, condemning the public release of a video showing Emmanson’s indecent exposure during the incident.
In a statement on his X handle, Keyamo described the video’s release as “totally unacceptable” and ordered sanctions against the staff responsible, while acknowledging that filming the incident was necessary for prosecution.
“That is totally unacceptable to us. We will not fold our arms and tolerate the debasing of womanhood,” Keyamo said, directing airlines to retrain staff in public relations and conflict management.
According to Keyamo, the altercation began at 2:54 p.m. on Ibom Airline Flight Q153 after Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during takeoff, violating international aviation safety rules.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has since imposed an indefinite ban on her from both local and international flights. She was arraigned on Monday before the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court and remanded for failing to provide sureties.
Keyamo also warned that disruptive passengers would face lengthy flight bans and criminal prosecution, urging aggrieved travellers to channel complaints through the NCAA’s Consumer Protection Directorate.
The incident has since sparked a heated public debate over fairness, proportionality in law enforcement, and the treatment of women in Nigeria’s justice system.
