The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has pledged pro bono legal support to Ms. Comfort Emmanson after Njom Air reportedly “recklessly” imposed a lifetime flight ban against her and treated her with degrading force.
In a strongly worded press release, NBA President Afam Osigwe and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara condemned the treatment and reaffirmed their commitment to defending human dignity and the rule of law.
“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 detailed how Emmanson was forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped in public, and humiliated in a widely circulated video.
The association described the ordeal as “degrading,” a serious violation of her right to privacy and dignity, and a breach of expected aviation standards.
They also criticized the lifetime flight ban imposed without a fair hearing, stressing that only statutory regulatory bodies, not private airlines or industry associations, have the legitimate authority to restrict a person’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” agencies to step in.
