By Muhammad Mamman
Renowned social justice advocate Ken Henshaw has sharply criticised the decision to withdraw criminal complaints against Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), branding it a grave miscarriage of justice. The announcement came from Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who on Wednesday revealed he had brokered a mutual resolution to recent incidents of disruptive behaviour at Nigeria’s airports. This included dropping charges against Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (Kwam 1) and Emmanson, with Keyamo citing compassion as the driving factor.
However, Henshaw, Executive Director of the civil society organisation We The People, condemned the settlement as wholly inadequate, arguing it fails to address the profound harm allegedly inflicted upon Emmanson during the incident at Lagos Airport. “Ibom Air and the Aviation Authority have withdrawn their case against a woman who was subjected to abuse, assault, public humiliation, and arrest,” Henshaw stated. “They claim the matter is resolved, as if no harm was done. But what of Comfort’s suffering? Who will erase the trauma of her humiliation, the videos circulated online, or the enduring stigma she now faces?”
Henshaw stressed that true justice demands accountability for those responsible, asserting that both Ibom Air and the relevant authorities must face consequences if found culpable. His remarks underscore a broader call for systemic reform to ensure victims of such incidents receive the justice they deserve.
