NBA Slams Ibom Air Lifetime Ban On Comfort Emmanson, Demands Probe

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the handling of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, the passenger at the center of the recent Ibom Air incident, labeling it reckless, unlawful, and a breach of her rights.

In a joint statement by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and Secretary-General Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association criticized the lifetime flight ban placed on Emmanson by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), describing it as arbitrary, unjust, and in violation of the rule of law.

The NBA argued that the passenger was punished without being given a fair hearing and insisted that only statutory regulators have the legal authority to restrict a passenger’s right to fly. It called for an immediate reversal of the ban and the launch of an independent investigation into the matter.

The statement also expressed outrage over the public humiliation Emmanson suffered, alleging she was forcibly removed from the plane, stripped in public, and filmed without consent, with the unedited footage then circulated online. The association demanded the arrest and prosecution of those who recorded and shared the video, calling it a gross invasion of privacy and a criminal offense.

According to the NBA, other footage shows an Ibom Air hostess blocking Emmanson from leaving the aircraft — an act it said could amount to false imprisonment and a potential provocation that worsened the confrontation. It stressed that these details make an impartial probe even more urgent.

The association urged the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and security agencies to thoroughly investigate, sanction anyone found culpable, and ensure compliance with humane passenger treatment standards.

Reaffirming its stance, the NBA pledged to provide Emmanson with free legal representation to protect her rights and seek redress, warning that it would not stay silent while the dignity of Nigerians is undermined by corporations, authorities, or individuals.