former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has aimed at what he calls a glaring case of “justice with double standards.”
The swift jailing of Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson for an in-flight assault, versus the silence over Fuji legend Kwam 1 after his high-profile airport altercation.
In a post on X, Obi began on a conciliatory note, apologizing to both Emmanson and the airline crew she attacked. But his tone quickly sharpened as he condemned the “dehumanising treatment” of the young woman, particularly her reported public stripping by security operatives — which he described as both “unnecessary” and symptomatic of abuse by law enforcement.
The Labour Party figurehead questioned why Emmanson’s case moved at lightning speed through the courts — from arrest to Kirikiri remand in days — while Kwam 1, who allegedly delayed a flight and jeopardized passenger safety, has faced no legal action.
“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,” Obi stated.
He argued that the disparity reflects a deeper flaw in Nigeria’s justice system — one that tilts against the powerless, especially women, while shielding the well-connected.
“Justice in Nigeria must never be about who is poor or powerless versus who has influence or access to government officials.”
Obi went further, drawing a parallel with high-level corruption cases: “This young lady’s offence does not compare to the crimes committed daily by those parading themselves as ‘excellencies’… without consequence.”
Calling for urgent answers, Obi challenged the Minister of Aviation and other authorities to explain why similar infractions get unequal treatment. His message was blunt: a democracy that applies the law selectively isn’t delivering justice at all.
