…AWLA Lagos Calls For The Immediate Suspension And Sanction Of All Crew Members And Security Officials Involved, Pending The Outcome Of The Investigation
…One Disrupts A Flight & Walks Away To Their Next Gig, Another Does It & Is Violently Dragged Like Cargo — Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi
The Nigerian Bar Association has condemned Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria for their handling of the incident that involved Ms. Comfort Emmanson on an Ibom Air flight on August 10, 2025.
In a press release signed by its president, Mazi Afam Osigwe, and general secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA described the airline’s actions, including a lifetime flight ban imposed on Ms. Emmanson, as “reckless,” “unlawful,” and a violation of her right to dignity.
According to the NBA, Ms. Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, publicly stripped of her clothing, and humiliated in an incident that was recorded and widely circulated online. The association called the treatment “degrading” and a breach of her privacy and dignity, falling short of expected standards in the aviation industry.
The statement read, “The Nigerian Bar Association strongly condemns the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson in the incident aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025 and the subsequent lifetime flight ban imposed on her by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria. These actions are heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.
“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. 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. No person, regardless of the circumstances, should be treated in such a dehumanising manner.
“While Ibom Air has issued its account of events, other video footage has emerged showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from alighting from the aircraft, a conduct that could constitute false imprisonment and a possible provocation that escalated the situation. This makes it all the more critical that the matter be subjected to an independent, impartial investigation by the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her.”
The association criticised the lifetime ban as a violation of fair hearing principles, arguing that Ms. Emmanson was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations. “The decision to impose a lifetime ban without affording Ms. Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard is equally troubling. Ibom Air has so far only presented its own version of events without giving her the chance 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 photographing, dissemination, and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson is also an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act.”
It added that, “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 NBA also stated that only statutory regulators, not private airlines or associations, have the authority to restrict a passenger’s right to fly.
“The NBA demands that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into this incident. We also call on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security,” the statement read.
Equally speaking against the treatment meted out to Ms. Emmanson, Nigerian professor of law, and former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking persons in Africa, Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, SAN, in an X post made the following observations:
“The Ibom Air flight saga involving a crew member and an unruly passenger, Comfort—more like nobody’s daughter and now in a difficult situation —serves as a powerful reflection of the complexities in our society. Facing both a lifetime ban from Ibom Air and criminal charges for alleged assault, Comfort’s situation highlights the adage: ‘All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.’
“She has been swiftly charged. In this case, justice appears to be influenced by status and circumstances, raising questions about fairness and accountability for everyone, regardless of their position in society. While a senator faced no repercussions, the incident involving Kwam 1 was downplayed, and now Comfort Bob (26 years old) risks severe consequences. Beyond the headlines, this situation uncovers deeper issues within our nation’s systems. It prompts us to consider how we can enhance empathy, due process, and transparency—not only in aviation but across all public institutions.
“While I condemn any form of violence, whether in public or private spheres, I advocate for the protection and dignity of all individuals involved in conflict resolution, as well as the possibility of redemption after mistakes. Therefore, I urge that justice be tempered with mercy in this case. Is Comfort unaware that her actions were unlawful and punishable by law? Don’t you think she is also a victim of assault? Would you prefer that the law should run its full course?”
In another X post, Nigerian lawyer, civil rights activist, and founding Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC), Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, pointed said: “It’s the double standards for me. One disrupts a flight & walks away to their next gig, another does it & is violently dragged like cargo, rushed to court without due process. Same offence, different rules. And while unruly behavior is wrong, nothing justifies degrading treatment. This isn’t just about aviation safety, it’s about dignity, professionalism, and the dangerous normalisation of violence.”
The Lagos branch of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Adesola Bello, stressed that: “Such conduct is utterly unacceptable, degrading, and in clear violation of the dignity and fundamental human rights of the victim, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and various international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).”
AWLA Lagos further stated thus: “We strongly condemn not only the unprofessional and inhumane actions of the airline crew, but also the complicity of airport security officials whose duty is to protect and ensure the safety of passengers, not to participate in or permit acts of humiliation.
“This incident underscores the urgent need for:
- A thorough, independent investigation into the matter by relevant authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
- Immediate suspension and sanction of all crew members and security officials involved pending the outcome of the investigation.
- Comprehensive training and retraining of airline and airport personnel on passengers’ rights, conflict de-escalation, and gender sensitivity.
- Adequate compensation and public apology to the victim for the psychological trauma, physical exposure, and reputational harm suffered.
“The African Women Lawyers Association stands firmly against any form of violence, humiliation, or abuse targeted at women and girls. We will continue to advocate for the protection of women’s rights, demand accountability from institutions, and ensure that incidents like this are met with swift justice. We call on all stakeholders in the aviation industry to treat passengers with respect and humanity at all times, regardless of any disagreements or operational challenges.”
