According to a report from The Guardian Nigeria, What began as a confrontation on an Ibom Air flight has exploded into a national row over human rights, privacy and due process, drawing in lawyers, regulators, civil society groups and the public after passenger Ms Comfort Emmanson was banned for life.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) yesterday strongly condemned the treatment of Emmanson during the August 10, 2025, incident and the ban imposed on her by the airline and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
In a related development, the Nigeria Police Force has begun investigating Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as KWAM 1, over his alleged unruly behaviour that reportedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
In a statement signed by its President, Afam Osigwe, SAN, and General Secretary, Dr Mobolaji Ojibara, the NBA described the airline’s actions as heavy-handed, unlawful, and a grave affront to the rule of law and human dignity.
“The treatment of Ms Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air was reckless and violated her right to the dignity of a human person,” the statement read.
The NBA said it was deeply disturbing that Ms. Emmanson was “forcibly removed from the aircraft, stripped of her clothing in public, and subjected to humiliation that was filmed and circulated online,” noting that such conduct was degrading, violated her right to dignity and privacy, and fell short of the standards of civility and professionalism expected in the aviation sector.
According to the association, “While Ibom Air has issued its own account of events, other video footage has emerged showing an Ibom Air hostess preventing Ms. Emmanson from alighting from the aircraft, a conduct that could constitute false imprisonment and a possible provocation that escalated the situation.”
The NBA insisted that the matter required “an independent, impartial investigation by the appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against her.”
The association also faulted the decision to impose a lifetime ban “without affording Ms Emmanson a fair opportunity to be heard,” stressing that Ibom Air had only presented its version of events without giving her the chance to respond.
It maintained that “the power to suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly rests with the appropriate statutory regulator, not private associations or airline operators acting unilaterally.”
On the circulation of indecent images of Ms Emmanson, the NBA described it as “an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act,” adding that “those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.”
The NBA demanded 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.”
It also called on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to conduct a thorough inquiry, sanction all those found culpable, and enforce strict compliance with humane treatment standards for air passengers.
The association pledged to provide Ms Emmanson with pro bono legal support, vowing not to remain silent “while the fundamental rights of any Nigerian are trampled upon, whether by public authorities, private corporations, or individuals.”
Ibom Air denies releasing viral indecent exposure video
MEANWHILE, Ibom Air has denied responsibility for the release of the viral video showing the passenger in a state of indecent exposure during the in-flight altercation.
The airline’s Group Manager for Marketing and Communications, Mrs Aniekan Essienette, addressed the issue in an interview with TVC News on Monday, clarifying that while the incident took place aboard one of the airline’s flights, the footage was not released by any member of its staff.
Her comments followed an order by the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, directing that sanctions be imposed on any Ibom Air employee found to have leaked the video.
The minister said that while filming the incident for use as evidence in court was appropriate, releasing footage containing indecent exposure to the public was “totally unacceptable”.
“As much as the video was taken on board, we had several other people who were not Ibom Air employees around the vicinity. So, anyone could have taken that video,” Essienette said.
“I can tell you categorically that the video was not released by us. It is rather unfortunate that it has gone viral. We do not condone such indecent exposure, so we would not have been the ones to release it.”
Essienette explained that the passenger was forcefully removed from the aircraft after refusing to comply with instructions to disembark.
“She had tried to come out earlier, but she was restrained because of some activities that had happened behind the scenes, and eventually, the pilot in command had to call security,” she said.
“For us to ensure that security takes her directly off the plane, our crew had to restrain her for a bit, and we saw what resulted after that happened.”
Addressing concerns about rising cases of disruptive behaviour on flights, Essienette said no airline would “go about their business to humiliate a passenger”.
She urged authorities to focus on measures to prevent similar incidents in future.
NCAA calls for witnesses’ testimony
ALSO, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has called on eyewitnesses aboard the Ibom Air flight to provide testimonies on the events that led to Emmanson assaulting a female air hostess.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, made the appeal in a post on X, asking witnesses to send their accounts to his official email address.
According to reports, Ms Emmanson was instructed to switch off her mobile phone before take-off but refused until another passenger intervened. The flight proceeded without further incident, but upon landing in Lagos, she allegedly attacked the purser in what was described as a violent assault.
She was detained by security personnel, arraigned in court, and the airline initiated legal proceedings. Ibom Air also announced a lifetime ban on her and secured the support of the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
Achimugu said calling for witnesses was necessary “to ensure fair judgment and hear the different sides of the story.” He added that this process would not excuse unruly conduct but would help ensure “that every other person who was culpable down the line is held accountable.”
He revealed that NCAA officers in Lagos would embark on a fact-finding mission to speak with police and other security personnel involved in the incident.
“Finally, one hopes that lessons are learned from all of these events and that the necessary adjustments and improvements are implemented by all stakeholders; passengers, airline staff, aviation security, etc.,” he said.
The incident has sparked public criticism, particularly over the decision to remand Ms. Emmanson at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, who was accused of disrupting a ValueJet flight from Abuja to Lagos on August 5, faced no such detention.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Achimugu explained that the two cases were different. “There is no comparison here; it’s not a case of oranges and oranges.
“In the KWAM 1 incident, the airline did not activate its rights to take the passenger to court, so the NCAA did what it was supposed to do by petitioning the authorities to petition the passenger. In the Ibom Air incident, maybe because their staff had been assaulted, the airline immediately activated its right to take up the matter, and it went to court,” he said.
He further clarified that, contrary to some reports, KWAM 1 was not placed on a six-month ban but on an indefinite ban pending the outcome of investigations.
On Ibom Air’s lifetime ban on Ms Emmanson, Achimugu said airline operators have the legal authority to impose such measures. He stressed that with the country’s limited aircraft capacity, any risk to an aircraft was unacceptable.
“The point I am trying to make is that no matter the provocation, rest assured that you can always file your complaints with the NCAA, and it will be dealt with. On our part, we will ensure to see the end of it and that there is fairness on every side,” he said.
IGP orders probe of KWAM 1 over unruly conduct at Abuja airport
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had formally petitioned the police over the incident, which occurred on August 5, 2025, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
Following the petition, he said the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Nigeria Police Force has received an official petition from NCAA over an alleged incident involving Mr. Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1). He is accused of engaging in unruly conduct that allegedly obstructed the safe operation of an aircraft, in violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023, following a reported incident on 5 August 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“In response, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, to immediately commence a thorough investigation into the matter, to unravel the circumstances which led to the ugly incident and ensure justice is served accordingly, ” the statement partly read.
He added that the police remain committed to upholding safety and security in Nigeria’s aviation sector and will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure compliance with aviation laws.
“The Force hereby assures the public of its commitment to upholding safety and security within Nigeria’s aviation sector, while assuring stakeholders in the sector of improved collaboration towards aviation security and strict compliance with aviation laws”, the statement stated.
Ubani faults lifetime no-fly sanction, says action unconstitutional
REACTING, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and public commentator, Dr Monday Ubani, criticised the lifetime no-fly sanction imposed on Emmanson by the Airline Operators of Nigeria, describing it as unconstitutional, disproportionate and lacking due process.
Ubani argued that the sanction contravenes Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a fair hearing before a court or tribunal established by law.
“The AON’s unilateral action, without affording the passenger an opportunity to be heard, breaches the principle of audi alteram partem,” he stated.
According to him, Section 41 of the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement within Nigeria and abroad.
While an individual airline may refuse carriage for safety reasons under its contractual rights, “an industry-wide lifetime ban by a trade association amounts to a de facto travel ban with national and international consequences,” he said.
Ubani maintained that only the NCAA, established under the Civil Aviation Act, is empowered to regulate civil aviation and coordinate sanctions.
“NCAA regulations allow denial of boarding for safety reasons but do not give AON authority to impose indefinite, nationwide sanctions,” he said, adding that even in jurisdictions like the United States, no-fly lists are government-managed, subject to statutory frameworks, periodic reviews, and appeal mechanisms.
In Emmanson’s case, Ubani noted that she has been arraigned and remanded pending trial for an alleged bailable offence.
The SAN warned that allowing a trade association to impose such penalties without judicial oversight “sets a dangerous precedent for bias and abuse,” and that referencing past incidents involving other public figures without binding judicial outcomes risks “reputational punishment without proof.”
While condemning unruly behaviour on flights, Ubani stressed that justice must be balanced.
“One party cannot be the accuser, prosecutor, and judge. Without fairness and due process, justice is missing in action,” he said.
He added that Emmanson could seek redress at the Federal High Court, asking for a declaration that the ban is unconstitutional and void, alongside damages for breach of fundamental rights.
Omole: Ibom Air should withdraw lawsuit, opt for mediation
SIMILARLY, lawyer and security consultant, Dr Charles Omole, advised the management of Ibom Air to withdraw the lawsuit filed against the female passenger, warning that the airline stands to lose more reputationally even if it wins in court.
“If I am to advise the management of Ibom Air, I will withdraw the court case filed against this lady. They can’t win the case in terms of reputation even if they win in court. While the lady appears culpable in some respect; so is Ibom’s staff as well,” Omole said.
He noted that video footage showed the passenger being blocked from leaving the aircraft by Ibom Air staff. “So why is there a need to carry her out of the plane she was willing to leave in the first place? Investigation may well apportion blame to both sides,” he added.
“In light of this, a court case is not the solution. Withdraw the case and use some form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve this matter. More training on de-escalation techniques need to be given to all airline staff. For example, there are people who can misbehave on flights due to a phobia or anxiety of flying. They would need to be dealt with sensitively and calmly; not with heavy-handed tactics,” Omole stated.
On the circulation of nude footage of the passenger, Omole said: “The video of her nakedness was clearly taken by someone linked to Ibom Air as it was on board the aircraft. This makes the airline vicariously liable for this indecent exposure.”
He urged the airline to “look at the bigger picture” and prevent the matter from staying in the headlines for too long. “They have more to lose than this lady, reputation-wise. Withdraw the case; submit to a form of ADR, let go of this matter, and move on very quickly. The lady should be released immediately from detention,” he advised.
According to Omole, “A six-month ban by the Ibom airline could only be a proportional punishment. The lady will also need to apologise for her behaviour. A lifetime ban is not proportional, and a ban of any kind by other airlines is unnecessary.
“Justice should focus on restoration rather than mere punishment because true justice heals harm, repairs relationships, and rebuilds communities instead of simply inflicting retribution. This is my considered advice to the management of this lovely airline, Ibom.”
Rights advocate petitions Keyamo over passenger’s detention
ALSO, a renowned human rights advocate, Princess Olatorera Majekodunmi-Oniru, has called for urgent justice for Comfort Emmanson following her alleged maltreatment and imprisonment after a confrontation with Ibom Air crew members.
In a private letter to the Minister of Aviation, Mr Festus Keyamo, Princess Oniru expressed deep concern over a viral video showing the disturbing treatment of the young woman, who was subsequently detained at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Describing Ms Emmanson’s incarceration as “deeply troubling and highly unjust,” Oniru urged immediate intervention to secure her release. She condemned what she described as an unjust prosecution and stressed the broader need for reforms in consumer service, criminal justice, and human rights protections globally.
“Comfort deserved far better,” she said. “We must resist all forms of maltreatment often fuelled by power abuse, similar to the ordeals faced by millions across Gaza, North Korea, Ukraine, the DRC, and beyond.”
The incident reportedly began when Ms Emmanson allegedly refused to switch off her mobile phone, insisting it was in flight mode. What started as a minor dispute, according to public accounts, escalated into a traumatic experience involving being prevented from disembarking, alleged sexual assault, harassment by at least five airline or airport personnel, arrest, imprisonment, and a lifetime travel ban.
Oniru called for Ms Emmanson’s immediate release to restore her peace of mind, urging that the case be lawfully reviewed to ensure appropriate compensation for the human rights violations she allegedly suffered.
She concluded by affirming her commitment to work with both national and international authorities to secure justice for Ms Emmanson and to establish a lasting precedent against the mistreatment of airline passengers worldwide.
Former TUC president condemns alleged defiance of airport rules
FOR his part, the former President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Mr Peter Esele, expressed disappointment over Fuji maestro Wasiu Ayinde for his alleged refusal to comply with airport regulations.
Reacting to the incident, Esele said Ayinde’s actions were unbecoming of a respected musician and celebrity.
According to him, the consequences of lawlessness go beyond verbal altercations. “It is a metaphor for a nation where power exempts one from consequence,” he said.
According to ValueJet Airlines, Ayinde was barred from boarding flight VK 201 (Abuja–Lagos) because he insisted on carrying a flask containing a liquid substance exceeding the permitted 100ml. Despite repeated requests, it was alleged that he refused to comply with security regulations.
The flight captain, Ms Oluranti Ogoyi, further alleged that the musician opened the bottle and poured its contents on her and others nearby.
Esele said, “Aviation laws are clear; liquids over 100ml are prohibited unless medically necessary and declared. Yet enforcement bends to influence. We live in a country where ‘Do you know who I am?’ is not a question, but a threat.
“From government officials using sirens to bully their way through traffic, to reckless drivers ignoring zebra crossings, the culture of impunity is top-down.
“These daily infractions and the silence of those tasked with enforcement erode our values and unravel the fabric that binds us.
“Is this the legacy we want to leave? Should apologies replace justice? What happens when laws only apply to the powerless?
“We must demand better. We must rebuild civic education, empower institutions to act without fear or favour, and insist that the law protect everyone equally.”
Esele noted that Nigerians could still build a society where zebra crossings are respected, flights are safe, and fame does not override accountability. “It starts with refusing to excuse the inexcusable,” he added.
He also observed that in a functioning society, the behaviour displayed by Ayinde would trigger swift legal consequences. “In ours, it prompted a tepid apology, likely because cameras were rolling. Had there been no footage, he would have probably locked up the pilot and airline owner,” he said.
Civil society group demands probe into passenger incident
RELATEDLY, a civil society organisation, the Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development, criticised the treatment of Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air staff and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Office, Mr Omoniyi Akingunola, the group also offered to provide free legal services to Ms. Emmanson, describing her treatment as “unfair, unjust, and unacceptable”.
Akingunola faulted the police for what he described as a hasty decision to arraign Ms. Emmanson without adequate fact-finding. He said publicly available footage of the incident was incomplete, noting that the confrontation began onboard the aircraft.
He insisted that Ibom Air should release the in-flight video to determine whether Ms. Emmanson’s actions were provoked.
