The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson in the incident aboard an Ibom Air flight that occurred on August 10, 2025.
In a statement made by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara on X (Formerly Twitter) the association described the airline’s actions, supported by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) in enforcing a lifetime flight ban, as “heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.”
According to the NBA, Ms. Emmanson “was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and circulated online.”
The association stated, “Such conduct is degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector.” It stressed that “no person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner.”
While Ibom Air has released its own version of events, the NBA pointed to other video evidence showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft.
The association warned that such “conduct could constitute false imprisonment and a possible provocation that escalated the situation.” adding that “it is critical that the matter be subjected to an independent, impartial investigation by the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her.”
The NBA condemned the decision to impose a lifetime ban without affording Ms. Emmanson the chance to defend herself. “Ibom Air has so far only presented its own version of events without giving her the chance to respond,” the statement said.
The association added, “This one-sided process… breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible.” It further emphasised 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.”
On the issue of the leaked footage, the NBA was unequivocal: “The photographing, dissemination, and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson is… a criminal act.”
It stressed, “Even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited… Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.”
The NBA has called on Ibom Air to immediately lift the lifetime ban and issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson. It also urged the airline to cooperate fully with an impartial investigation led by the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and other relevant security agencies.
The association wants strict sanctions against all individuals found culpable and the enforcement of industry-wide compliance with humane passenger treatment standards.
To ensure Ms. Emmanson’s rights are protected, the NBA vowed to provide free legal representation. “The NBA stands ready to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to ensure her rights are protected and that she obtains redress for the violations suffered,” adding, “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, and in this matter, justice must prevail.”
