NBA slams Ibom Air over passenger’s undignified treatment

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the treatment of Ms Comfort Emmanson aboard Ibom Air, describing it as reckless, unlawful and a grave violation of her right to dignity.

This is contained in a statement signed by the NBA President, Mr Afam Osigwe (SAN) and the General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Aug. 10, an incident occurred aboard an Ibom Air flight involving Emmanson.

NBA described the manner in which Emmanson was removed from the aircraft as dehumanising.

NBA noted that video footage showed an Ibom Air hostess blocking Emmanson’s exit from the plane.

The association noted that the conduct could constitute false imprisonment and provocation, potentially escalating the situation.

NBA expressed outrage over allegations that Emmanson was publicly stripped of her clothing, humiliated, filmed and had the footage circulated online.

The association viewed the photographing, dissemination and online circulation of indecent images of her as both degrading and a serious invasion of privacy, constituting a criminal act.

“Even if the incident had to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in a way that did not expose her nudity to the public,” NBA said.

The association stressed that those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.

They warned that such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect.

NBA considered the lifetime ban on Emmanson from flying Ibom Air or any other, as heavy-handed, legally and morally indefensible, and in breach of the principle of fair hearing.

The association argued that only the relevant statutory regulator had the authority to suspend or restrict a passenger’s flying privileges, not private entities or airlines.

The NBA demanded that Ibom Air lift the lifetime ban on Emmanson and issue a public apology.

NBA urged the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and sanction those responsible.

The association pledged to provide Emmanson with pro bono legal support to protect her rights and seek redress for the violations she suffered.