NIGERIA: Obi Condemns Lifetime Flight Ban On Young Passenger, Calls For Equal Justice

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the lifetime ban imposed on Ms. Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air, describing the decision as unjust and authoritarian.

In a statement on Tuesday, Obi said he had apologised to the airline and its crew on Monday over Emmanson’s unruly behaviour but was shocked to learn the following morning that the young woman, in her twenties, had been barred from flying for life.

Quoting the ancient Greek philosopher Anacharsis, Obi likened the situation to “the law being like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease.”

He questioned the speed and process behind the sanction, asking if due process or avenues for a compassionate resolution had been exhausted.

“It is a tragic irony that a young lady can be banned for life, while those in authority commit greater offences that harm the nation and go unpunished,” Obi said, noting that the authorities acted with “lightning speed” in Emmanson’s case but often move slowly when dealing with the politically connected.

While acknowledging the passenger’s misconduct, Obi argued that justice must allow for rehabilitation, especially when actions stem from frustration or displaced aggression.

He called for a justice system that is consistent, compassionate, and blind to power or status.

“Power must never determine who is punished and who is pardoned. A New Nigeria is p

ossible,” he said.