The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticised Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for imposing a lifetime flight ban on passenger Comfort Emmanson following an incident aboard a flight on 10 August 2025. The association described the airlineโs actions as heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.
In a strongly worded statement, the NBA condemned Ms. Emmansonโs forcible removal from the aircraft, during which she was allegedly stripped of her clothing in public and filmed in a humiliating manner. The footage, which circulated online, was deemed a violation of her right to dignity and privacy, with the association insisting no passenger should be subjected to such degrading treatment.
The legal body also questioned the fairness of the lifetime ban, arguing that Ibom Air had failed to give Ms. Emmanson a fair hearing before taking disciplinary action. It noted that emerging footage appeared to show an airline hostess preventing her from disembarkingโa possible provocation that escalated the situationโand called for an independent investigation before any sanctions were enforced.
Additionally, the NBA demanded Ibom Air withdraw the ban, issue a public apology, and cooperate with authorities probing the incident. It urged aviation regulators, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to intervene and ensure compliance with humane treatment standards. The association also vowed to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to seek redress.
Read full statement:
“THE TREATMENT OF MS. COMFORT EMMANSON BY IBOM AIR WAS RECKLESS AND VIOLATED HER RIGHT TO DIGNITY OF HUMAN PERSON” The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) strongly condemns the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson in the incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025 and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). These actions are heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity. It is deeply disturbing that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and 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. No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner. While Ibom Air has issued its own account of events, other video footage has emerged showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from alighting from the aircraft, a conduct that could constitute false imprisonment and a possible provocation that escalated the situation. This makes it all the more critical that the matter be subjected to an independent, impartial investigation the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her. The decision to impose a lifetime ban without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard is equally troubling. Ibom Air has so far only presented its own version of events without giving her the chance to respond. This one-sided process, culminating in a ban supported by AON, breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible. The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally. The photographing, dissemination, and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson is also an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act. Even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in such a way that it did not expose her nudity to the public. Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted. Such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect. The NBA demands that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into this incident.. We also call on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry, sanction all those found culpable, and enforce strict compliance with established standards for the humane treatment of air passengers. The NBA stands ready to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to ensure her rights are protected and that she obtains redress for the violations suffered. We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals. Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised, and in this matter, justice must prevail. MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN DR MOBOLAJI OJIBARA President General Secretary
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