The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned what it described as the “heavy-handed and unlawful” treatment of Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson, who is accused of assaulting two individuals, including an airline staff member.
In a statement, the NBA vowed to provide Emmanson with pro bono legal representation to seek redress, stressing that “respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised.” The association described the actions taken by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)—including the imposition of a lifetime flight ban—as “a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.”
The NBA said it was “deeply disturbing” that Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and circulated online. The body also cited video evidence showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing her from leaving the aircraft, noting that such conduct could amount to false imprisonment and might have provoked the altercation.
Calling the incident “degrading” and “a violation of her rights to dignity and privacy,” the NBA argued that no matter the circumstances, no passenger should be subjected to such inhumane treatment.
“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… breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible,” the NBA stated.
The association further stressed that the authority to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly lies with the statutory regulator, not private airlines or associations acting unilaterally.
On the circulation of the unedited video exposing Emmanson’s nudity, the NBA condemned it as “an egregious invasion of privacy” and “a criminal act,” insisting that those who filmed and shared the footage must be identified and prosecuted.
The body demanded that Ibom Air:
- Immediately withdraw the lifetime ban imposed on Emmanson.
- Issue a public apology to her.
- Cooperate with an impartial investigation into the incident.
It also urged the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry, sanction all culprits, and enforce strict compliance with humane passenger treatment standards.
Reaffirming its stance, the NBA said:
“We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon… Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised. In this matter, justice must prevail.”
