The Labour Party (LP) has strongly condemned the treatment of Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, describing it as a clear example of Nigeria’s selective justice system.
Emmanson was reportedly stopped from disembarking after she refused to switch off her mobile phone during takeoff, although she had placed it on flight mode. In protest, she allegedly assaulted a crew member, which led to her immediate arrest, arraignment, and remand at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. She was also banned for life from flying with Ibom Air and placed on the Airline Operators of Nigeria’s (AON) no-fly list.
In contrast, the LP drew attention to the case of Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), who reportedly endangered passengers by attempting to block a ValueJet aircraft from taxiing. Despite the seriousness of his actions, KWAM 1 faced no immediate legal consequences, with some aviation stakeholders even defending him.
Peter Obi, the LP’s 2023 presidential candidate, expressed outrage over this disparity. While he does not condone Emmanson’s behavior, he condemned the harsh, dehumanizing response she received compared to the leniency shown to other offenders with influence. Obi criticized the swift legal action taken against Emmanson while more serious offenses by influential individuals were overlooked.
Legal experts, including Senior Advocate of Nigeria Dr. Monday Ubani, have also questioned the legality of the lifetime ban imposed on Emmanson by the AON without due process. They argue this violates constitutional rights and statutory authority. Ubani urged an end to selective justice and called for fair treatment of all individuals regardless of their status.
The Labour Party’s condemnation highlights growing concerns about fairness and consistency in Nigeria’s justice system, especially concerning how people are treated differently based on their social standing.
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