The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a powerful condemnation of what it calls the “reckless” and “heavy-handed” treatment of passenger Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air.
The incident, which occurred on an August 10 flight, led to Ms. Emmanson being forcibly removed from the aircraft, allegedly stripped of her clothing, and subsequently banned for life from flying with Ibom Air and other airlines under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In a statement signed by President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA declared the airline’s actions a “grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.” The association highlighted that Ms. Emmanson was subjected to public humiliation, with video footage of the incident circulating widely online. The statement emphasises that “no person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner.”
The NBA’s condemnation goes beyond the initial incident, also targeting the lifetime ban. The association argues that the ban, supported by AON, was imposed without giving Ms. Emmanson a fair hearing, a process it deems “legally and morally indefensible.” The NBA pointed out that the power to restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with statutory regulators, not private airline associations.
Furthermore, the NBA called for the prosecution of those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage of Ms. Emmanson, which exposed her nudity. The association described this act as a “criminal act” and an “egregious invasion of privacy,” stating that such actions erode public trust.
In response, the NBA is demanding that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban and issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson. They are also calling on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies to launch a thorough and impartial investigation.
The NBA stated its readiness to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to ensure her rights are protected and that she receives proper redress. The statement concludes with a strong message: “Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised, and in this matter, justice must prevail.”
