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Summary
The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the treatment and lifetime flight ban imposed on Ms. Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air, calling it unlawful. They also offered to provide free legal services to Comfort to seek redress.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a statement condemning the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson following the incident on Ibom Air flight and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed by both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In a press statement released on their official X handle on August 12, 2025, the NBA asserts that these actions are heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity, particularly in a case involving a woman’s experience.
The NBA’s press stated that the disturbing footage showing Ms. Emmanson being forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to a humiliating ordeal that was filmed and circulated online.
“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. No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner,” the statement reads.
Furthermore, the NBA notes that while Ibom Air has issued its account, other video footage has emerged showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from disembarking.
The NBA strongly criticises the decision to impose a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson without affording her a fair opportunity to be heard.
“This one-sided process, culminating in a ban supported by AON, breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible. 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 called for the immediate identification and prosecution of those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage.
“That Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into this incident. We also call on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry, sanction all those found culpable, and enforce strict compliance with established standards for the humane treatment of air passengers,” the group demanded.
The NBA stated they are ready to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to protect her rights and to obtain redress for the violations she endured.
