A prominent Nollywood actress has publicly denounced the treatment of a Nigerian airline passenger, calling for accountability after footage of the woman’s controversial removal from a flight circulated online. Mary Njoku, a well-known figure in Nigeria’s film industry, criticized Ibom Air for its handling of Comfort Emmanson, who was allegedly stripped and filmed during the incident.
In a Tuesday Instagram post, Njoku clarified that while she supported the airline’s right to remove disruptive passengers, the methods employed crossed ethical boundaries. “Removing someone from a flight is one thing, but stripping her and broadcasting the footage online is indefensible,” she wrote. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Njoku questioned whether airline protocols could ever justify such actions. “Aviation staff undergo rigorous training, but dehumanizing a passenger—let alone sharing it publicly—should never be part of their mandate, regardless of the circumstances.”
The incident has sparked broader discussions about passenger rights and the use of force by airline personnel. While specifics about why Emmanson was removed remain unclear, Njoku stressed that no alleged misconduct warranted the alleged violation of her dignity. “Compensation isn’t optional here,” the actress insisted, arguing that the emotional and reputational harm caused by the viral footage demands redress.
Public reactions have been mixed, with some social media users echoing Njoku’s concerns about privacy and proportionality, while others called for further details about Emmanson’s behavior prior to the altercation. Aviation experts note that global standards for handling unruly passengers prioritize restraint and discretion, though enforcement practices vary widely across regions.
Ibom Air, a state-owned carrier based in southern Nigeria, has not issued a formal statement addressing the allegations. The airline’s operational guidelines, like those of many carriers, typically authorize staff to take “necessary measures” to ensure safety but do not explicitly outline protocols for recording or disseminating such incidents. Legal analysts suggest Emmanson could pursue legal action under privacy laws or seek damages for emotional distress, depending on the jurisdiction.
Njoku’s intervention amplifies ongoing debates about accountability in Nigeria’s aviation sector, where similar incidents have periodically drawn public outcry. In 2022, a video of airport security officers assaulting a traveler sparked nationwide protests, leading to policy reviews. Advocates argue that systemic reforms, including improved staff training and transparent grievance mechanisms, are overdue.
As the story gains traction, attention now turns to whether Ibom Air will respond to demands for clarity—and whether the outcry will prompt broader reflection on balancing security protocols with respect for passenger dignity in air travel.
