The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a strong condemnation regarding the mistreatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by the airline and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). The NBA decries the actions as reckless, unlawful, and a violation of her fundamental right to dignity.
The incident, which occurred on the aforementioned flight, has drawn widespread outrage after videos surfaced showing Ms. Emmanson being forcibly removed from the aircraft. In the footage, she is seen being stripped of her clothing in public, an act that caused widespread public humiliation.
The NBA, in a statement on Tuesday signed by Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President, Nigerian Bar Association, and Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary, described the treatment as “degrading” and a violation of Ms. Emmanson’s privacy and dignity, emphasising that such actions are below the acceptable standards of civility in the aviation sector.
“Regardless of the circumstances, no individual should be subjected to such dehumanising treatment,” said Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
He called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident, stressing that the decision to ban Ms. Emmanson from flying indefinitely was taken unilaterally without affording her a fair opportunity to explain her side.
While Ibom Air has issued its version of the events, additional video footage has emerged, showing one of its hostesses allegedly preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, a situation that may have contributed to escalating tensions. This action raises concerns about potential false imprisonment and could be seen as a provocation that led to the altercation. The NBA insists on a full investigation into the matter by the relevant authorities to ensure that justice is served.
The lifetime flight ban imposed by Ibom Air and supported by AON has drawn further ire from the NBA. The Association points out that such a decision, without the opportunity for Ms. Emmanson to present her case, is both legally and morally indefensible. The NBA argues that the power to impose flight bans should rest with statutory regulators, not with private entities or associations acting unilaterally.
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A particularly concerning aspect of the incident, according to the NBA, is the circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson. Despite the unfortunate nature of the incident, the footage was distributed online without any effort to protect her dignity. The NBA condemns this as a violation of her privacy and calls for the identification and prosecution of those responsible for capturing and disseminating the unedited footage.
“The act of filming and circulating such material is a criminal act,” said Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary of the NBA. “We urge those responsible to be held accountable and for the necessary steps to be taken to protect the rights of citizens.”
In light of these developments, the NBA is demanding that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an independent investigation. The NBA also calls upon the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry and ensure that all individuals found responsible are duly sanctioned.
The Nigerian Bar Association has pledged its support to Ms. Emmanson, offering pro bono legal assistance to help her seek justice and redress for the violations she has suffered. “We will not remain silent while the rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon. This case must serve as a reminder that human dignity and the rule of law must be upheld in every sector, including aviation,” Osigwe affirmed.
The NBA’s call for accountability reflects its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of all Nigerians and ensuring that justice is served in every case where violations occur.