NBA: Those who posted ‘indecent’ video of Ibom Air passenger must be prosecuted

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the prosecution of those who captured and published the “unedited” video of the fracas between Comfort Emmanson, an Ibom Air passenger, and the airline officials. 

The NBA said it is “deeply disturbed” over Emmanson’s forcible removal from the aircraft and the stripping of her clothing in public.

BACKGROUND

On Sunday, videos shared on X showed an enraged Emmanson attacking a flight attendant on an Ibom Air plane and confronting airport security officials.

Afterwards, Ibom Air imposed a travel restriction on the passenger for her conduct.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) also placed Emmanson on its “no‑fly” list for life over what it described as “one of the most severe cases of unruly behaviour witnessed this year”.

Afterwards, more videos surfaced on social media showing the passenger being dragged off the aircraft, with her clothes torn and her breasts exposed.

NBA OFFERS PRO BONO LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR EMMANSON

In a statement signed by Afam Osigwe, NBA president, and Mobolaji Ojibara, general secretary, the legal association said the decision to impose a travel restriction on the passenger without a fair hearing is unlawful.

The association said the decision of the Ibom Air hostess to prevent Emmanson from alighting from the aircraft “could constitute false imprisonment and a possible provocation that escalated the situation”.

The NBA said the incident must be subjected to independent and impartial investigation by appropriate authorities before any disciplinary action is taken against the passenger.

“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,” the statement reads.

“The photographing, dissemination, and online circulation of indecent images of Ms. Emmanson is also an egregious invasion of privacy and a criminal act.

“Even if the incident was to be reported, the footage should have been blurred or edited in such a way that it did not expose her nudity to the public.

“Those responsible for capturing and distributing the unedited footage must be identified and prosecuted.

“Such acts erode public trust and undermine the rights of all citizens to be treated with dignity and respect.

“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 conduct a thorough inquiry, sanction all those found culpable, and enforce strict compliance with established standards for the humane treatment of air passengers.

“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.”