Lagos, 12 August 2025 – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a scathing rebuke of Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) over the handling of an incident involving passenger Ms Comfort Emmanson on a flight from Uyo to Lagos, describing her treatment as “reckless” and a violation of her right to human dignity.
In a strongly worded statement released today, NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, condemned the airline’s actions following the altercation on 10 August, which led to Emmanson being forcibly removed from the aircraft, allegedly stripped in public, humiliated, and subjected to footage that was circulated online. The association highlighted emerging video evidence showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Emmanson from disembarking, which they argued could amount to false imprisonment and provocation that escalated the situation.
“It is deeply disturbing that Ms Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and circulated online,” the statement read. “Such conduct is degrading, violates her right to dignity and privacy, and falls far short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector.”
The NBA criticised the imposition of a lifetime flight ban on Emmanson by Ibom Air, supported by the AON, without affording her a fair hearing. They argued that this unilateral decision breaches the principle of fair hearing and is legally indefensible, asserting that the authority to restrict a passenger’s right to fly lies with statutory regulators like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), not private entities. Furthermore, the association decried the dissemination of unedited footage exposing Emmanson’s nudity as a criminal invasion of privacy, calling for those responsible to be prosecuted.
The NBA demanded that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the ban, issue a public apology to Emmanson, and cooperate with an impartial investigation. They also urged the Minister for Aviation, the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry and sanction those found culpable. In a show of support, the association offered pro bono legal assistance to Emmanson to seek redress for the alleged violations.
Ibom Air, in its official response, painted a different picture of the events, describing Emmanson as an “unruly passenger” whose behaviour posed a threat to crew, passengers, and the aircraft. According to the airline’s statement issued on 11 August, the incident began when Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff, a routine safety requirement. A fellow passenger intervened to turn it off, prompting verbal abuse from Emmanson. The flight proceeded without further disruption, but upon landing in Lagos, she allegedly confronted the purser, physically assaulting her by stepping on her, tearing off her wig, removing her glasses, throwing them to the floor, and slapping her repeatedly.
The airline claimed Emmanson also assaulted another cabin crew member, attempted to wield a fire extinguisher as a weapon – potentially endangering the aircraft – and continued her aggression against airport security personnel, including slapping the ground supervisor. Ibom Air commended its crew and security for their professionalism and confirmed that Emmanson was restrained, handed over to FAAN security and the Nigeria Police Force, and banned for life from flying with the airline. The matter was reported to the NCAA, with the airline indicating potential legal action.
Legal proceedings have swiftly followed. Emmanson was arraigned on Monday at the Ikeja Magistrates Court on five counts, including assault, and remanded at Kirikiri Correctional Centre after failing to provide adequate sureties. The NCAA has imposed an indefinite flight ban on her, applicable to both local and international routes, as confirmed by Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo. NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu emphasised the need for passenger compliance with aviation regulations, warning of robust enforcement to ensure safety. Minister Keyamo’s spokesperson, Tunde Moshood, noted on social media that Emmanson was “cooling off in Kirikiri,” urging the public to exercise caution in air travel.
Public reaction has been polarised. While some social media users and figures like Nollywood actress Mary Njoku have condemned Ibom Air’s handling as excessive and humiliating, others support the ban, citing the need to protect airline staff from abuse. Accounts from passengers have emerged recounting past unpleasant experiences with the involved flight attendant, adding layers to the debate. Legal experts and commentators, including calls for alternative dispute resolution, suggest both parties may share blame, advocating for de-escalation training in the aviation sector.
As investigations continue, the incident underscores ongoing tensions between passenger rights and aviation safety protocols in Nigeria, with calls for stricter guidelines on handling unruly behaviour while safeguarding human dignity.
