The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly criticized Ibom Air over its handling of passenger Comfort Emmanson during an August 10 flight, branding the airline’s actions as unlawful and a severe infringement on her human rights. In a joint statement by NBA President Afam Osigwe, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association alleged that Emmanson was subjected to “reckless” and “dehumanizing” treatment, including being forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of clothing, and filmed without consent.
Video evidence reviewed by the NBA purportedly shows an Ibom Air crew member obstructing Emmanson’s exit, a move the association claims could amount to false imprisonment and intentional provocation. The incident escalated further when unedited footage of her partial nudity was shared online, which the NBA condemned as a criminal invasion of privacy. “Distributing such material without blurring sensitive content disregards basic ethical standards,” the statement read, demanding accountability for those who recorded and disseminated the video.
The association also rejected Ibom Air’s decision to impose a lifetime ban on Emmanson, calling the penalty disproportionate and legally baseless. Emphasizing due process, the NBA argued that only Nigeria’s aviation regulators—not private airlines—hold the authority to restrict passengers’ travel rights. It urged the carrier to revoke the ban and issue a formal apology while appealing to aviation authorities, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, to investigate and sanction those involved.
Beyond legal repercussions, the NBA warned that such incidents risk eroding public trust in air travel and undermine citizens’ rights to dignity. The group pledged free legal representation for Emmanson to pursue justice, highlighting broader concerns about corporate accountability and passenger protections. As scrutiny mounts, the case has sparked calls for clearer protocols to prevent privacy violations and ensure fair treatment of travelers during inflight disputes.
