The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), alongside other civil society groups, has strongly condemned Ibom Air and airport security for their handling of a female passenger, Comfort Emmanson, who was involved in a violent altercation aboard a Uyo-to-Lagos flight. The incident, which went viral in a series of shocking videos, has sparked a national debate on passenger rights, civil-military relations, and selective justice.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025, reportedly began when Ms. Emmanson refused to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff. A confrontation ensued, with videos showing her slapping an air hostess and other security personnel. However, subsequent footage showed Ms. Emmanson being forcibly dragged from the aircraft, with her clothes partially stripped off, an act the NBA and others have described as “reckless and unlawful.”

In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, the NBA declared that the treatment of the passenger was “heavy-handed” and a “grave affront” to human dignity. The association particularly criticized the lifetime flight ban imposed by Ibom Air, arguing that such a sweeping sanction is illegal and breaches the fundamental principle of fair hearing. The NBA has since pledged to offer Ms. Emmanson free legal assistance.

Other voices joined the chorus of condemnation, including the NBA Women’s Forum and Project Alert on Violence Against Women, both of whom pointed to a perceived “selective justice” in the Nigerian legal system, citing a case involving a music legend that was handled less stringently.

Ibom Air, in its official statement, defended its staff’s actions, stating that Ms. Emmanson was “unruly” and not only assaulted crew members but also attempted to use a fire extinguisher as a weapon. The airline insisted its actions were in line with safety protocols and confirmed it had placed a permanent ban on her from flying with them.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court today, Wednesday, August 13, 2025, discharged Ms. Emmanson after the police and the airline withdrew the five-count charge against her. The prosecution’s application to withdraw the case was granted by Magistrate Olanrewaju Salami, who ordered her immediate discharge, bringing an end to the legal proceedings against her.