Obi slams Ibom Air for dehumanising, ‘stripping’ passenger

Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate, has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, calling it a reflection 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, emphasising the need for Nigerians to uphold good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”

However, he condemned what he described as the “dehumanising treatment” of Emmanson, who was publicly stripped before being rushed to court and remanded.

“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,” Obi wrote.

He questioned the fairness of the justice system, warning that it must never be determined by “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.”

According to Obi, the case reflects a broader trend in which the poor and less privileged face swift punishment, while politically connected offenders escape accountability.

“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,” he said.