The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) over their handling of the August 10, 2025, incident involving passenger Comfort Emmanson, calling the actions unlawful, excessive and a violation of human dignity.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA alleged that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight, stripped in public, and humiliated while being filmed — with the footage later circulated online. The association described the conduct as degrading and contrary to aviation standards.
It said alternative video evidence suggested that a flight attendant prevented the passenger from leaving the aircraft, which could amount to false imprisonment and may have escalated the confrontation. The NBA argued that the lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air, and endorsed by AON, was issued without affording her a fair hearing, stressing that such authority rests only with statutory regulators.
The statement also condemned the online release of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson, describing it as a criminal act. It called for those responsible for filming and distributing the footage to be identified and prosecuted.
The NBA demanded that Ibom Air and AON withdraw the ban, apologise to the passenger, and cooperate with an impartial investigation. It also urged the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and security agencies to probe the matter and sanction offenders.
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The association pledged pro bono legal support for Ms. Emmanson, stating that it will not tolerate violations of citizens’ rights by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals.
