The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned what it described as the “reckless and degrading” treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson during an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 12, the NBA said the actions of Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) were “heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.”
According to the association, Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was recorded and circulated online.
“No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner,” the NBA said. “The right to dignity and privacy is guaranteed by law and must be respected at all times.”
The group also pointed to video footage allegedly showing a flight attendant preventing Emmanson from disembarking, which it said could amount to false imprisonment and may have aggravated the situation.
“This makes it even more critical for the matter to undergo an independent and impartial investigation before any disciplinary action is taken against her,” the statement read.
The NBA faulted Ibom Air’s decision to ban Emmanson for life without giving her a chance to defend herself, describing it as a breach of the principle of fair hearing.
“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,” it said.
On the circulation of explicit footage, the association noted that the unedited video constituted a criminal invasion of privacy.
“Those responsible for capturing and sharing the indecent images must be identified and prosecuted. Public trust in the aviation sector depends on respect for the rights and dignity of passengers,” it said.
The NBA called on Ibom Air to withdraw the ban, issue a public apology to Emmanson, and cooperate with an impartial investigation.
It also urged the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to look into the case.