“Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has offered free legal representation to Comfort Emmanson, a passenger allegedly assaulted by Ibom Air staff and banned for life from flying with the airline.
In a Tuesday statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, the association described the airline’s actions as “reckless,” “unlawful,” and a violation of Emmanson’s right to dignity. It alleged that she was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing, and humiliated in an incident filmed and shared online.
“The NBA stands ready to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support… Respect for human dignity and the rule of law must never be compromised,” the statement read.
The association criticised the lifetime ban as a breach of fair hearing, insisting only statutory regulators can restrict a passenger’s right to fly. It demanded the ban’s withdrawal, a public apology, and a full investigation involving aviation authorities.