The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for capturing and circulating video of the altercation between, an Ibom Air passenger, and airline officials.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara, the association said it was deeply disturbed by Comfort Emmanson’s forcible removal from the aircraft and the public exposure of her nudity.
On Sunday, videos surfaced on X showing Emmanson attacking a flight attendant onboard an Ibom Air flight and later confronting airport security.
Following the incident, the airline banned her from flying on its aircraft, while the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) placed her on a lifetime “no-fly” list.
Subsequent videos showed her being dragged off the plane with torn clothing that exposed her upper body, sparking outrage.
NBA condemned the decision to ban Emmanson without affording her a fair hearing, describing it as unlawful. It also said that the actions of the flight attendant in preventing her from disembarking could amount to false imprisonment and provocation.
The statement reads, “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.”
“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 association urged Ibom Air to withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology, and cooperate with an impartial investigation.
It also called on the minister of aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies to sanction all parties found culpable and ensure humane treatment of passengers in line with aviation standards.
Pledging pro bono legal representation for Emmanson, the NBA vowed to protect her rights and seek redress for the violations suffered.
It added, “We will not remain silent while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals.”
“Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised, and in this matter, justice must prevail.”
