Peter Obi Faults Arraignment And Remand Of Ibom Air Passenger, Comfort Emmanson

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the arraignment and detention of Ibom Air passenge, Comfort Emmanson.

KanyiDaily recalls that Comfort Emmanson was accused of assaulting airline officials and behaving unruly on a flight from Uyo to Lagos.

In a statement shared on his X oage, Obi said while Emmanson’s conduct was unacceptable, justice should be applied equally and without bias.

Without naming names, the former Anambra State governor appeared to reference the recent incident involving Fuji star Wasiu Ayinde, known as K1 De Ultimate, who allegedly delayed a flight at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

Peter Obi argued that the case reflects deeper problems in Nigeria’s justice system, which he described as plagued by double standards.

He condemned the “dehumanising” treatment Emmanson faced, particularly reports that she was stripped in public.

The former governor went on to compare her alleged offence to the unchecked corruption of certain public officials.

Obi urged the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to explain the apparent double standards, insisting that the rule of law must apply equally to all Nigerians.

The statement reads, “The unfortunate and dishonourable drama witnessed in Ibom Air has again brought to the fore the double standards in our lives and the inadequacies of our various security operatives in acting decently and in a civilised manner.

“I want to start by sincerely apologising to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted by Miss Comfort Emmanson.

“We must, as a society, learn and uphold good conduct, as it is a true measure of success and decent living.

“However, I must equally strongly condemn the dehumanising treatment meted out to this young woman. Stripping her publicly was not only unnecessary but also represents the height of rascality and abuse by our agencies.

“It is unacceptable that she was hurriedly taken to court and remanded, while someone who visibly held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk is still at large, with government agencies and some state officials speaking up for him to be forgiven.

“This case is not just about one young woman, it is about the double standards that poison our justice system.

“Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.

“While Ms. Comfort Emmanson is in jail, the other offender who committed a more severe offence has not been held to the same standard.

“He has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court. We must build a country where justice is fair, equal, and not selective, especially against women who are seen to be weaker.

“This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as “excellencies” while looting public funds without consequence, and yet they have not been stripped or dehumanised in the name of justice.

“We must end this selective treatment of the poor or less privileged. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly.

“The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. The rule of law based on justice for all must remain the guidepost of our democracy.”

Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) announced on Monday that Comfort Emmanson has been banned for life from flying with any of its member airlines, both locally and internationally.