*Urges Fair Hearing, Privacy Protection and Full Investigation

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), led by President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, has strongly condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson during the incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.

The NBA also denounced the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), describing these actions as reckless, unlawful, and a serious violation of human dignity and the rule of law.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the NBA expressed deep concern over reports that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped publicly, and humiliated — acts that were filmed and widely circulated online. The association stressed that such degrading treatment violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls below acceptable standards of professionalism in the aviation industry.

The NBA highlighted emerging footage suggesting that an Ibom Air hostess blocked Ms. Emmanson from leaving the plane, potentially amounting to false imprisonment and provoking the escalation of the incident. This, the NBA said, underscores the urgent need for an independent and impartial investigation before any punitive actions are taken.

Criticizing the lifetime ban, the NBA pointed out that Ms. Emmanson was denied a fair hearing and opportunity to respond to the allegations  a clear breach of fundamental legal principles. The association emphasized that only the statutory regulator has the authority to impose such travel restrictions, not private airlines or industry bodies acting alone.

Moreover, the NBA condemned the unlawful photographing and dissemination of nude images of Ms. Emmanson, calling it a criminal invasion of privacy. The association urged authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible, warning that such actions undermine public trust and human rights.

The NBA demands that Ibom Air immediately rescind the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and fully cooperate with a thorough, unbiased investigation. It further called on the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies to investigate, sanction the guilty parties, and enforce humane treatment standards for all passengers.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IBOM-AIR-TREATMENT-OF-COMFORT-EMMANSON-PRESS-RELEASE-.pdf” title=”IBOM AIR TREATMENT OF COMFORT EMMANSON PRESS RELEASE”]

Finally, the NBA pledged pro bono legal support to Ms. Emmanson to ensure her rights are defended and justice is served. The association concluded with a firm declaration that it will not remain silent while Nigerians’ fundamental rights are violated and that respect for human dignity and the rule of law must prevail.

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