Lawyers call lifetime ban unlawful
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson during an Ibom Air flight incident, calling it a violation of her right to dignity. The NBA says it will provide her with free legal representation to seek justice.
Incident called degrading and illegal
According to the NBA, Emmanson was “forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and humiliated” — with the moment caught on video and shared online. The group says the conduct was degrading, unlawful, and a serious breach of human rights.
Questions over fair hearing and authority
The NBA criticised both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for imposing a lifetime ban on Emmanson without giving her a fair hearing. It also argued that only Nigeria’s statutory aviation regulator can restrict a passenger’s right to fly — not private companies.
Call for investigation and sanctions
The lawyers’ body is demanding:
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Withdrawal of the lifetime ban
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A public apology from Ibom Air
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An impartial investigation by aviation and security authorities
They also condemned the release of unedited footage showing Emmanson’s nudity, calling it a “criminal invasion of privacy” and urging prosecution of those responsible.
