NBA CONDEMNS TREATMENT OF COMFORT EMMANSON, CALLS FOR WITHDRAWAL OF LIFETIME FLIGHT BAN

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson in an incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025, and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). In a statement, President of the NBA, Mazi Afam Osigwe, described the actions as “heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity”.

Osigwe said the incident, in which Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation, was “degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector”. He added that the NBA demands that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into the incident.

Osigwe also called on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry, sanction all those found culpable, and enforce strict compliance with established standards for the humane treatment of air passengers. “We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals,” Osigwe said.

The NBA has offered to provide Emmanson with pro bono legal support to ensure her rights are protected and that she obtains redress for the violations suffered. Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, General Secretary of the NBA, co-signed the statement with Osigwe.