The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight and is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the lifetime flight ban imposed on her.
The NBA described the incident on August 10, 2025, where Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, publicly stripped of her clothing, and humiliated, actions that were widely circulated online. The association called these acts “heavy-handed, unlawful, and degrading,” stressing they violate human dignity and Nigerian law.
The NBA also criticized the decision by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to impose a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson without giving her a fair chance to respond. They insist that such sanctions should be regulated by the appropriate government authorities, not airlines alone.
Further, the NBA condemned the sharing and circulation of unedited footage showing Ms. Emmanson’s exposure, labeling it a serious invasion of privacy and criminal. They demand that those responsible for distributing the video be identified and prosecuted.
Calling for an independent investigation into the events leading to the incident, the NBA urged the withdrawal of the ban, a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and compliance with aviation standards protecting passenger rights. The NBA additionally offered pro bono legal support to Ms. Emmanson to ensure her rights are safeguarded.
The NBA’s firm stance shows its undeniable role to protecting citizens’ rights amid concerns over airline conduct and regulatory oversight.
