The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson in the incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025 and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
These actions, according to the Association in a statement issued in Abuja, were heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.
NBA maintained that was deeply disturbed that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft,
stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and circulated online stressing that, such conduct was degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector. The Body said no person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated
in such a dehumanising manner adding that the matter be subjected to an independent, impartial investigation by the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her.
NBA noted that the decision to impose a lifetime ban without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard was equally troubling saying Ibom Air has so far only presented its own version of events without giving her the chance to respond.
The NBA demanded that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into the incident.
It also called 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.
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