Emmanuel lkpeama
The Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 election,Peter Obi has condemned the recent altercation between an Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson, and the airline’s crew.
In a statement, Obi expressed his concern over the double standards in Nigeria’s justice system, highlighting the disparity in treatment between Emmanson and another individual who allegedly held a plane from taking off, putting hundreds of lives at risk.
Obi who apologized to the crew for the assault they suffered at the hands of Emmanson, emphasized the importance of good conduct in society.
He strongly condemned the dehumanizing treatment meted out to Emmanson, describing the public stripping as “unnecessary” and “rascality”, while pointing out the double standards in Nigeria’s justice system, where the powerful and influential are often treated more leniently than the poor and powerless.
“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 former Anambra State Governor went further to call for a fair and equal justice system, where everyone is held to the same standard, regardless of their social status or influence.
Investigator news reports that the incident occurred on August 10, 2025, on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. Emmanson reportedly refused to switch off her phone before takeoff, despite repeated instructions from the crew.
The situation escalated, and Emmanson assaulted the crew and security personnel upon arrival in Lagos.
Ibom Air has since banned Emmanson from flying with them and reported the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
