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Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the public stripping of an Ibom Air passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, describing the act as dehumanising and a clear example of double standards in Nigeria’s justice system.
Obi’s reaction came after a viral video showed security officers dragging Ms. Emmanson from an Ibom Air flight, Q9 303, from Uyo to Lagos. In the video, her blouse was torn off as she resisted being taken away. The incident has drawn nationwide debate about the conduct of both passengers and security agencies in Nigerian airports.
According to Ibom Air, the problem started shortly before take-off from Uyo when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone as required by aviation safety rules. A fellow passenger sitting beside her reportedly took the phone and turned it off, which allegedly sparked a verbal outburst from her.
In an earlier video, Ms. Emmanson was seen physically assaulting a crew member. Following this, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) announced that she has been placed on a permanent “no-fly” list, describing her actions as one of the most severe cases of unruly passenger behaviour recorded this year.
Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood, said in a post on X that Emmanson has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after being charged to court. He also revealed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is intensifying enforcement against unruly conduct at airports.
Obi, while condemning Ms. Emmanson’s behaviour towards the Ibom Air crew, insisted that the manner in which she was treated was both excessive and unprofessional. He compared the case to a recent incident involving popular Nigerian musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, also known as KWAM 1, who was captured on video trying to stop a ValueJet aircraft from taking off. Obi said KWAM 1’s case was more dangerous as it endangered many lives, yet he has not faced the same level of punishment.
“The drama on Ibom Air has exposed the double standards in our justice system and the poor handling of such matters by security operatives. I sincerely apologise to the Ibom Air crew who were assaulted. We must uphold discipline in society, but stripping this woman in public was unnecessary and shameful,” Obi said.
He stressed that the treatment of Ms. Emmanson sends the wrong message about how justice is served in Nigeria. According to him, “While Ms. Emmanson is in prison custody, someone who tried to stop a plane from taking off, endangering hundreds of passengers, is walking free with government officials even calling for him to be forgiven. This is clear proof that justice in Nigeria is often influenced by social status and connections.”
Obi argued that the law must apply equally to all Nigerians, regardless of their influence, wealth, or political connections. He also criticised the tendency of some government agencies to act harshly against the poor and leniently towards the powerful.
“This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by people in power who loot public funds without consequence. They have not been stripped or shamed publicly in the name of justice. We must end this selective treatment and ensure that the rule of law applies equally to everyone,” Obi added.
He called on the Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities to explain the handling of the case, warning that selective justice erodes public trust in governance and democracy. Obi concluded that justice must be fair, transparent, and consistent for Nigeria to progress.
