Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has criticised the decision by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to impose a lifetime flight ban on Comfort Emmanson, a passenger accused of misconduct aboard an Ibom Air flight.
In a statement on Tuesday, Obi, who had earlier apologised to Ibom Air and its crew for the passenger’s actions, described the penalty as disproportionate and questioned the speed and fairness of the sanction.
He noted that the ban, imposed overnight, appeared to lack due process, adding that while the young woman faced swift punishment, individuals in positions of power who commit more serious offences often evade consequences.
Obi called for a justice system that is consistent, compassionate, and allows room for rehabilitation, stressing that punishment should not be determined by one’s social or political status.
AON announced on Monday that Emmanson had been placed on its “No Fly” list indefinitely following the incident on the Uyo–Lagos route.
