Ibom Air Passenger’s Remand Sparks Uproar Over Selective Justice

The remand of Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger who allegedly assaulted crew members and security officers on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, has ignited widespread public outrage, with many accusing the authorities of selective justice.

Emmanson was taken into custody and remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre after a viral video showed her slapping and kicking airline and airport staff, including a female air hostess, following repeated instructions to turn off her mobile phone before takeoff. In one of the videos, Emmanson was seen being dragged off the plane by airline security.

In response, Ibom Air issued a statement accusing Emmanson of attempting to use a fire extinguisher to attack officials before she was subdued. The airline also confirmed that the incident had been reported to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Emmanson was permanently banned from flying on any Ibom Air aircraft.

“Ibom Air has since submitted a report on the incident to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and placed a travel restriction on Ms Emmanson, who will no longer be permitted to fly on any of our aircraft,” the airline stated.

Tunde Moshood, the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation, confirmed the charges against Emmanson and her subsequent remand in prison.

“All the more reason the flying public should be more careful—the unruly passenger on the Uyo–Lagos-bound Ibom Air, Miss Comfort Emmanson, has been charged to court, and she’s now cooling off in Kirikiri,” Moshood said via his verified X account (@TundeMoshoody) on Monday.

Public Backlash: Allegations of Double Standards

While Emmanson’s remand sparked outrage, the public’s anger intensified when many pointed to the case of popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), who allegedly obstructed a ValueJet flight in Abuja the previous week but faced no similar consequences.

On social media, critics lambasted the apparent double standards in handling the two incidents. Twitter user @EmmyPromise71 wrote, “The level of selective punishment in this country is overwhelming, my God! Some animals are more equal than others. Nigeria is my country.”

Another user, @Ronaldnziroma, expressed frustration, “The Ibom Air girl did not block or impede an aeroplane; she just fought an air hostess, but she is in prison. KWAM 1 assaulted an air hostess and the pilot, blocked and impeded the plane, which is terrorism, and even did a show over the weekend, and he is at home chilling.”

Similarly, @yongmayor compared the two incidents, writing, “KWAM 1 intended to stop an aircraft on the runway, poured alcohol on a pilot, yet got away with just an apology. KWAM 2 (the female passenger) refused to turn off her mobile devices, harassed the air hostess, and got banned from flying for life. Nigerian laws are only written for the poor.”

Calls for Equal Treatment

The outcry over the perceived inequality in the handling of these incidents also made its way to Facebook. Several users called for consistent enforcement of the law, regardless of the status or influence of the individuals involved.

Simeon Owomorinle posted, “If this one could be remanded in prison, (what about K1)?” While Oma Kantaga commented, “When K1 did his thing, it was a rich man’s thing. Poor man pikin go copywrite come fail exam.”

Others expressed frustration at the apparent favoritism, including Sanni Adeyemi, who remarked, “Only God knows what she was coming to Lagos for. She didn’t throw tantrums where she left from. On landing in Lagos, she began to misbehave.”

Toc Emmar also weighed in, stating, “Let them do the same to K1 and Oshiomhole. Oshiomhole started Nigeria on a path of selective justice.”

Pressure Mounts for Fairness

As public outrage continued to grow, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) issued a reminder to all passengers to adhere to aviation laws and regulations.

The incident has sparked an ongoing debate on social media, with many demanding an end to selective justice and urging authorities to ensure equal treatment for all, regardless of wealth or status.