The Nigerian Bar Association has demanded that Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria withdraw the lifetime flight ban placed on Ms Comfort Emmanson.
The association described the action as unlawful, degrading and a violation of her fundamental rights.
In a statement signed by NBA President Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, the association condemned what happened on August 10 aboard an Ibom Air flight. It said Ms Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and humiliated in an incident that was filmed and shared 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,” the NBA said.
The association also pointed to other video clips showing an Ibom Air hostess stopping Ms Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, which it said could amount to false imprisonment and provocation. It stressed that the matter should be subjected to an independent investigation before any action is taken against her.
The NBA criticised the ban as a decision made without giving Ms Emmanson a fair hearing. “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 statement said.
On the release of footage showing Ms Emmanson partially unclothed, the NBA called it a serious invasion of privacy and a criminal act. “Even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited to avoid exposing her nudity to the public. Those responsible for capturing and sharing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted,” it said.
The association urged Ibom Air to withdraw the ban, apologise publicly to Ms Emmanson, and cooperate with an impartial investigation. It also called on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry and sanction anyone found guilty.
The NBA offered Ms Emmanson free legal representation to protect her rights and seek redress. “We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals,” it added.
