NBA Condemns Ibom Air Over Lifetime Ban and Public Humiliation of Comfort Emmanson
Incident on August 10 Sparks Public Outrage
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 on August 10, 2025.
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described Ibom Air’s decision to impose a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson as “reckless”, “unlawful”, and a “violation of her right to dignity.”
Allegations of Public Humiliation
According to the NBA, Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and humiliated in an incident that was filmed and widely 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,” the NBA stated.
Possible False Imprisonment Claims
The statement also referenced video footage showing an Ibom Air hostess allegedly preventing Ms. Emmanson from alighting the aircraft—conduct the NBA said could constitute false imprisonment and may have escalated the situation.
The association called for an independent and impartial investigation before any disciplinary action is taken against the passenger.
Criticism of the Lifetime Ban
The NBA condemned the lifetime flight ban imposed on Ms. Emmanson, noting that she was not given an opportunity to defend herself against the allegations—a breach of the right to fair hearing.
“The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally,” the statement read.
Invasion of Privacy Concerns
The association also described the photographing and circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson as an “egregious invasion of privacy” and a criminal act.
The NBA stressed that even if the incident had to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited to protect her identity.
“Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted,” the statement added.
NBA’s Demands
The Nigerian Bar Association has called on Ibom Air to:
Withdraw the lifetime ban immediately
Issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson
Cooperate fully with an independent investigation
The NBA also urged the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other relevant agencies to ensure accountability in the case.
