Peter Obi condemns ‘double standards’ in Ibom Air passenger arrest

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the handling of the recent Ibom Air incident, calling it a clear example 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, urging Nigerians to embrace good conduct as “a true measure of success and decent living.”

However, he strongly condemned what he described as the “dehumanising treatment” meted out to Emmanson, who was reportedly stripped in public before being hastily taken to court and remanded.

Obi contrasted her case with that of another passenger who, according to him, “held a plane from taking off and put hundreds of lives at risk” but has not faced arrest or prosecution, with some government officials even calling for him to be pardoned.

“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,” Obi wrote.

“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.”

He further argued that the treatment of Emmanson reflected a wider culture in which the less privileged are punished swiftly, while politically connected offenders escape accountability.

“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,” he added.

Obi concluded by urging the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to explain the perceived inconsistencies in their handling of such cases.

“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.