Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, calling it a sign of “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system.
In a statement on Monday via his official X handle, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by passenger Comfort Emmanson. He urged Nigerians to uphold good conduct, describing it as “a true measure of success and decent living.”
Obi, however, condemned what he termed the “dehumanising treatment” of Emmanson, who was stripped in public before being hurriedly taken to court and remanded. He noted that while she is in custody, another individual who “held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk” remains free, with some officials calling for forgiveness.
“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 the incident reflects a wider pattern where the poor are punished swiftly, while politically connected offenders escape accountability.
“The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation,” Obi said. “Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all.”