“Treatment of Ms Emmanson by Ibom Air violated her right to dignity of human person” – Nigerian Bar Association
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria for their handling of Ms. Comfort Emmanson’s case, calling the lifetime flight ban imposed on her unlawful, heavy-handed, and a violation of her rights.
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described her forcible removal, public stripping, and the filming and circulation of the incident as degrading, unprofessional, and a breach of dignity and privacy. They also noted video evidence suggesting an Ibom Air hostess blocked Emmanson from leaving the plane, potentially escalating the situation.
The NBA argued that the ban violated fair hearing principles, as Emmanson was not given a chance to respond, and stressed that only statutory regulators, not private airlines, can impose such restrictions. It demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban, a public apology, and a full independent investigation, while offering Emmanson free legal representation to seek redress. The association also urged prosecution of those who recorded and shared the unedited footage.
