NBA Condemns Ibom Air Over Lifetime Ban, Offers Free Legal Support to Comfort Emmanson

The Nigerian Bar Association has vowed to provide free legal representation to Comfort Emmanson in her fight against a lifetime flight ban imposed by Ibom Air, calling the airline’s actions 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 described the alleged treatment of Emmanson as degrading and unlawful. According to the NBA, she was forcibly removed from an aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, humiliated, and filmed without consent, with the footage later circulated online.

The association criticised both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria for imposing the ban without a fair hearing, stressing that only the statutory aviation regulator has the authority to restrict a passenger’s right to fly.

It also cited video evidence reportedly showing a flight attendant blocking Emmanson from leaving the plane, warning that the act could amount to false imprisonment and may have escalated the incident.

The NBA demanded that Ibom Air reverse the ban, issue a public apology, and cooperate with an independent investigation into the matter.

It further urged the Minister of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry and hold all responsible parties accountable.