The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for the “reckless and unlawful” treatment of passenger Comfort Emmanson, calling it a gross violation of her rights.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), in a statement on Tuesday, said Emmanson was forcibly removed from an aircraft, stripped in public, and filmed — acts that amounted to degrading treatment and an invasion of privacy.
He revealed that video evidence also showed an Ibom Air staff member blocking Emmanson from exiting the aircraft, which could constitute false imprisonment.
Osigwe criticised the lifetime ban imposed on Emmanson without a fair hearing, stressing that only statutory regulators, not airlines, have the authority to suspend a passenger’s right to fly.
The NBA demanded Ibom Air withdraw the ban, issue a public apology, and cooperate with an independent investigation. It also urged aviation authorities and security agencies to probe and sanction those responsible.
Osigwe added that the NBA is ready to offer Emmanson free legal representation, insisting: “We will not stand by while the rights of Nigerians are trampled upon. Justice must prevail.”