The Nigerian Bar Association has pledged legal support to the passenger who was remanded over an alleged assault on the staff of Ibom Air, Comfort Emmanson.
This comes as the association condemned the way Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria handled the matter.
NBA described the airline’s actions, including a lifetime flight ban imposed on Emmanson as “reckless,” “unlawful,” and a violation of her right to dignity.
“The NBA stands ready to provide Ms. Emmanson with pro bono legal support to ensure her rights are protected and that she obtains redress for the violations suffered.
“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,” the NBA said in a press release signed by its president, Afam Osigwe and General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, on Tuesday.
According to the NBA, Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, publicly stripped of her clothing, and humiliated in an incident that was recorded and widely circulated online.
The association called the treatment “degrading” and a breach of her privacy and dignity, falling short of expected standards in the aviation industry.
It criticised the lifetime ban as a violation of fair hearing principles, arguing that Emmanson was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
The NBA also stated that only statutory regulators, not private airlines or associations, have the authority to restrict a passenger’s right to fly.
“The NBA demands that Ibom Air immediately withdraw the lifetime ban, issue a public apology to Ms. Emmanson, and cooperate fully with an impartial investigation into this incident. We also call on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security,” the statement read.
