The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the
treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson during an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025
and the subsequent lifetime ban imposed on her by the airline and the Airline
Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam
Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association
described the actions as heavy-handed, unlawful, and a violation of human
dignity.
According to the NBA, Ms. Emmanson was forcibly
removed from the aircraft, stripped in public, and humiliated in an incident
captured and circulated online. It stressed that such degrading conduct
breaches her rights to dignity and privacy and falls short of aviation
standards.
While Ibom Air has given its account of events, the
NBA noted that other footage shows a hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from
leaving the plane — an act it says could amount to false imprisonment and
provocation. It called for an independent investigation before any sanctions
are imposed.
The association faulted the lifetime ban, saying it
was imposed without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair hearing. It also stated that
only statutory regulators — not private operators — have the authority to
suspend passenger rights.
The NBA further condemned the unblurred circulation of
indecent images of Ms. Emmanson, describing it as a criminal invasion of
privacy. It demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban, a public apology, and
a full inquiry by aviation authorities.
It also pledged pro bono legal support for Ms.
Emmanson, vowing to ensure her rights are protected and that justice prevails.
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