Unruly Passenger's Handling Criticized by Aisha Yesufu: 'King Wasiu's Situation Could Have Been Resolved Differently' - Ibom Air's Treatment of Passenger Questioned by Emmanson

In a series of tweets on her official account, human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has condemned the treatment of Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air officials and the Nigerian authorities. On August 10, Emmanson found herself in a confrontation with airline staff after refusing to comply with an aviation safety rule and attacking a crew member.

Yesufu has pointed out the contrasting treatment between Emmanson and other influential figures like KWAM 1 and Adams Oshiomhole, who were involved in separate airline-related incidents but were not arrested or detained. Emmanson was arrested by airport security, handed over to the police, charged to court, and remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

The incident escalated when another passenger turned off the device on Emmanson's behalf, prompting her to lash out in anger. She was accused of attempting to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon, actions that the airline described as putting the aircraft in potential danger.

Yesufu has compared Emmanson's treatment to that of Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) and former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who were involved in separate airline-related incidents but were not subjected to the same harsh measures. Kwame 1, for example, issued apologies within days, and his conflict was treated more lightly, sometimes viewed as an opportunity for amusement by the public and media.

The difference in treatment, according to Yesufu, stems from the specific nature and handling of Emmanson's case, the airline's strict stance on compliance with flight rules, and differing public and official responses to persons based on their social or political standing. Ibom Air has banned Emmanson indefinitely, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria have placed her on a lifetime no-fly list.

Yesufu has criticized the physical restraint of Emmanson by security agents, alleging that she was dragged in a way that tore her dress, exposing her breasts to the public. She has also questioned why Emmanson was physically restrained and exposed in a way that was not done to other individuals.

In a video circulating on social media, Emmanson can be seen being bundled and dragged out of an Ibom Airplane after assaulting airline staff. Yesufu questions the lack of dignity in the handling of the situation and suggests that a more respectful approach could have been taken.

Yesufu believes that justice must be applied equally to all citizens, not selectively based on social standing. She has stated that selective justice is actually injustice. Emmanson's incident has led to a public outcry, with many agreeing with Yesufu that the treatment of Emmanson highlights deep-rooted inequality in the application of the law in Nigeria.

References: [1] Sahara Reporters. (2021, August 12). Woman Arrested For Allegedly Assaulting Airline Staff During Flight. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2021/08/12/woman-arrested-allegedly-assaulting-airline-staff-during-flight

[2] The Cable. (2021, August 13). Comfort Emmanson: Aisha Yesufu Calls Out Ibom Air Over Alleged Injustice Against Woman. Retrieved from https://www.thecable.ng/comfort-emmanson-aisha-yesufu-calls-out-ibom-air-over-alleged-injustice-against-woman

[3] Premium Times. (2021, August 14). Woman Who Assaulted Ibom Air Staff Arraigned in Court, Remanded in Kirikiri Prison. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/456559-woman-who-assaulted-ibom-air-staff-arraigned-in-court-remanded-in-kirikiri-prison.html

[4] Vanguard. (2021, August 15). Ibom Air Bans Woman Who Assaulted Staff Indefinitely. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/08/ibom-air-bans-woman-who-assaulted-staff-indefinitely/