The incident involving Ms Comfort Emmanson and Ibom Air has spiralled from an in-flight disagreement into a heated national controversy, drawing in lawyers, civil society groups, regulators, and the Nigerian public.
According to multiple reports, the August 10, 2025, altercation led to Ms Emmanson being banned for life from Ibom Air flights, after she was allegedly forcibly removed, stripped in public, and humiliated in an episode that was caught on camera and circulated online.
Omo, this matter no be small!
NBA Calls Ibom Air’s Action “Heavy-Handed and Unlawful”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has strongly condemned the airline’s handling of the incident, describing the lifetime ban and treatment of Ms Emmanson as a gross violation of human dignity, privacy, and due process.
In a statement signed by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, the association alleged that the conduct fell far below the standards of civility expected in aviation. It also noted video evidence suggesting that an Ibom Air hostess blocked Ms Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, potentially amounting to false imprisonment.
The NBA insisted on an independent investigation and called for the immediate withdrawal of the lifetime ban, a public apology, and prosecution of those who leaked indecent footage.
Ibom Air Denies Leaking Viral Video
In an interview, Ibom Air’s Group Manager for Marketing & Communications, Mrs Aniekan Essienette, denied that any staff member released the footage. She explained that Ms Emmanson was restrained after refusing to follow crew instructions, stressing the airline would never deliberately humiliate a passenger.
But omo, Nigerians no dey buy that explanation completely o.
NCAA Steps In, Calls for Witness Testimonies
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged passengers aboard the flight to submit statements about what happened. NCAA officials said this would ensure fairness and accountability, not just for Ms Emmanson’s alleged misconduct, but also for any staff actions that may have escalated the incident.
KWAM 1 in the Spotlight Too
In a twist, the Nigeria Police Force has opened an investigation into Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1)over a separate unruly passenger incident at Abuja Airport just days earlier. While Ms Emmanson was detained at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, KWAM 1 reportedly faced no such detention — a disparity critics say highlights double standards.
Lawyers, Rights Groups, and Public Figures Weigh In
- Dr Monday Ubani, SAN: Called the lifetime ban unconstitutional, warning it sets a dangerous precedent.
- Dr Charles Omole: Urged Ibom Air to withdraw its lawsuit and settle via mediation to avoid further reputational damage.
- Princess Olatorera Oniru: Petitioned the Aviation Minister for Ms Emmanson’s immediate release, describing the incident as a disturbing abuse of power.
- Peter Esele: Slammed KWAM 1 for allegedly flouting aviation safety rules, linking it to a wider culture of impunity.
- Civil Society Groups: Offered free legal services to Ms Emmanson, demanding Ibom Air release full in-flight footage.
Public Reaction
The incident has sparked massive online debate, with many Nigerians split between condemning unruly passenger behaviour and criticising the public humiliation and indefinite ban.
For now, the case remains under investigation, and all eyes are on the NCAA, Aviation Ministry, and the courts to determine whether justice — for both passenger and airline — will be served.
