The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air officials and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by the airline and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described the airline’s actions as “reckless,” “unlawful,” and a violation of Emmanson’s right to dignity.
According to the NBA, the incident — which occurred aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025 — involved the forceful removal of Ms. Emmanson, stripping her of her clothing, and filming the episode, with the footage later circulated online.
“Such conduct is degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector,” the statement read.
The association offered Ms. Emmanson free legal representation to ensure her rights are protected and that she secures redress for the violations suffered.
The NBA also questioned Ibom Air’s account of the incident, noting that other video footage showed a flight attendant preventing Ms. Emmanson from disembarking, which could amount to false imprisonment and provocation. The association stressed the need for an independent and impartial investigation before any disciplinary action.
On the lifetime flight ban, the NBA said Emmanson was not given the opportunity to defend herself, calling it a breach of fair hearing principles.
“The decision to impose a lifetime ban without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard… is legally and morally indefensible,” it stated, adding that only statutory regulators have the authority to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly.
The NBA further condemned the photographing and unedited circulation of indecent footage of Ms. Emmanson, describing it as a criminal invasion of privacy. It called for the identification and prosecution of those responsible.
The statement concluded with a demand for Ibom Air to:
- Immediately withdraw the lifetime ban
- Issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson
- Cooperate with an impartial investigation
The NBA also urged the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to step in and ensure justice.