“Justice Must Be for All” — Peter Obi Slams Selective Treatment In Airport Saga

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned what he described as “double standards” in Nigeria’s justice system, citing the contrasting treatment of two recent incidents involving air travel disruptions, one involving a female passenger, Miss Comfort Emmanson, on Ibom Air and the other, popular Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1.

In a statement issued Monday, Obi apologised to the Ibom Air crew allegedly assaulted by Miss Comfort, but strongly criticised security operatives for the “dehumanising” manner in which she was handled. She was reportedly stripped publicly, hurriedly taken to court, and remanded in custody following the altercation.

Obi contrasted her case with that of KWAM 1, who was recently accused of delaying an airline’s take-off at Lagos airport, reportedly keeping hundreds of passengers stranded. The Fuji star has not been arrested or arraigned, with some government officials even appealing for him to be forgiven.

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,” Obi said.

“This case is not just about one young woman,” he continued.

Obi argued that the incident highlights a broader problem of selective justice in Nigeria, especially against people with low incomes and women, while those in positions of influence commit more severe infractions without consequence.

The Minister of Aviation and other relevant authorities owe the public an explanation for these double standards in their adjudication, he said. Justice must be just, or it is nothing at all. If justice must be served, it should be served to all, and it must be served fairly.

A viral video online showed the incident involving KWAM 1 and ValueJet Airlines at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. In the video, the Fuji musician stood in front of the aircraft, attempting to block the plane from taxiing. The issue sparked public debates about the ‘big man’s’ impunity, undermining integrity in every aspect of national life.

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