The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong condemnation of the treatment meted out to Ms. Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air on August 10, 2025. According to a press release signed by the NBA President, MAZI AFAM OSIGWE, SAN, and General Secretary, DR MOBOLAJI OJIBARA, the association views the incident onboard the Ibom Air flight and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on Ms. Emmanson by Ibom Air and Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) as “heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.”
The NBA stated it is “deeply disturbing” that Ms. Emmanson was allegedly forcibly removed from the aircraft, subjected to humiliation, filmed and circulated online. The association asserts that such conduct degrades her right to dignity and privacy and falls short of expected standards in the aviation sector, irrespective of the circumstances.
The NBA further highlighted emerging video footage showing an Ibom Air host/hostess seemingly preventing Ms. Emmanson from alighting from the aircraft, suggesting a possible provocation or escalation of the situation. They emphasized the critical need for an independent and impartial investigation by the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her.
Expressing deep concern over the lifetime ban, the NBA pointed out that Ibom Air seemingly presented only its version of events, culminating in a ban supported by AON, which fundamentally breaches the principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible. The NBA stressed that 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 NBA addressed the unauthorized photographing, dissemination, and online circulation of images of Ms. Emmanson, labeling it an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act. They called for an expedited investigation to identify those responsible for capturing and distributing the footage so they can be treated with dignity and respect. Such actions, the NBA warns, erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens.
In light of these concerns, the NBA has demanded an Immediate withdrawal of the lifetime ban imposed on Ms. Emmanson and that a public apology must be issued by Ibom Air to Ms. Emmanson.
They’ve also demanded for the Immediate and full cooperation with an impartial investigation into the incident, involving the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and other relevant security agencies as they conduct a thorough inquiry to sanction all those found culpable in the incident and the enforcement of strict compliance with established standards for the humane treatment of air passengers.
The NBA has declared its readiness to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to ensure her rights are protected and that she obtains redress for the violations suffered. The association vowed to remain vigilant and vocal when fundamental rights are trampled upon by any entity, public or private, underscoring that respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised. Justice, the NBA concluded, must prevail in this matter.
