By Joy Yesufu
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for their handling of an incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. The NBA has called for a full investigation into the matter and the immediate withdrawal of the lifetime flight ban imposed on Emmanson.
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described the airline’s actions as “reckless,” “unlawful,” and a clear violation of Emmanson’s right to dignity.
The incident, which was filmed and widely circulated online, saw Ms. Emmanson forcibly removed from the aircraft, publicly stripped of her clothing, and subjected to public humiliation. The NBA described the airline’s actions as “degrading” and a breach of her privacy, noting that such conduct is far below the expected standards of professionalism in the aviation industry.
“The Nigerian Bar Association strongly condemns the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson on the Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025. These actions are heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity,” the statement read.
The NBA also drew attention to additional footage showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, which could constitute false imprisonment. This, the NBA argued, could have escalated the situation unnecessarily, emphasizing the need for an independent investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The association further criticized the imposition of the lifetime flight ban, calling it a violation of Ms. Emmanson’s right to a fair hearing. The NBA argued that Ms. Emmanson was not afforded the opportunity to respond to the allegations made against her, and that Ibom Air’s one-sided narrative violated basic principles of fairness and due process.
“The decision to impose a lifetime ban without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard is legally and morally indefensible. The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private airlines or associations acting unilaterally,” the statement continued.
Additionally, the NBA condemned the distribution of unedited footage of the incident, which exposed Emmanson’s nudity. The association called for those responsible for filming and circulating the footage to be identified and prosecuted, stressing that such acts are a breach of privacy and a criminal offense.
“Even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited to prevent the exposure of her nudity. Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be held accountable. This breach of privacy erodes public trust and undermines the rights of citizens to be treated with dignity,” the NBA added.
The NBA has called on Ibom Air to immediately rescind the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and fully cooperate with an impartial investigation into the incident.
The association has also urged the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is properly investigated.
“Only statutory regulators, not private airlines or associations, have the authority to restrict a passenger’s right to fly,” the NBA concluded.
