Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the handling of the case involving Comfort Emmanson, the Ibom Air passenger recently remanded in custody after a viral altercation with airline staff.
In a statement on Monday, Obi described Emmanson’s treatment—being stripped publicly and swiftly remanded—as “dehumanising” and an example of the selective application of justice in Nigeria.
He contrasted her case with that of another unnamed airport passenger, alleged to have committed a more severe offence by disrupting a flight’s departure and endangering the lives of hundreds of travellers. Obi noted that this second offender “has neither been arrested nor arraigned in any court,” despite the seriousness of the act.
The former presidential candidate accused government agencies and officials of applying leniency and advocating forgiveness when influential individuals are involved, while lesser-known citizens face the full weight of the law.
Obi called for fairness and consistency in the justice system, urging authorities to ensure all citizens—regardless of status—are treated equally before the law.
