The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson during the 10 August 2025 incident aboard an Ibom Air flight and the subsequent lifetime ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary, Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA described the actions as heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.

The association said it was deeply troubling that Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped publicly, and subjected to humiliation that was recorded and shared online.

The NBA noted that the conduct was degrading, violated Ms. Emmanson’s rights to dignity and privacy, and fell far below the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation industry.

“No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanizing manner,” the association stressed.

The association noted that although Ibom Air has presented its version of events, other video footage shows a flight attendant blocking Ms. Emmanson from disembarking, an act that could amount to false imprisonment and possibly provoked the incident.

It emphasized that this underscores the need for an independent, impartial investigation by the relevant authorities before any disciplinary measures are taken against her.

The NBA also faulted the decision to impose a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson without granting her a fair opportunity to be heard, noting that Ibom Air has so far presented only its own account of events without allowing her to respond.

“This one-sided process, culminating in a ban supported by AON, breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing and renders the decision legally and morally indefensible.

“The power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally,” the association said.

The NBA also bemoans the taking, sharing, and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson, calling it a blatant violation of her privacy and a criminal act.

“Even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in such a way that it did not expose her nudity to the public.

“Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted. Such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect, “the body demands.

The association called on Ibom Air to immediately lift the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and fully cooperate with an independent investigation into the incident.

It also urged the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to carry out a thorough probe, hold all offenders accountable, and ensure strict adherence to established standards for the humane treatment of air passengers.

The NBA added that it is prepared to offer Ms. Emmanson pro bono legal representation to safeguard her rights and secure redress for the violations she has endured.

“We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals,” The association emphasized.