The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and Naija Feminists Media have issued strong condemnations of Ibom Air following allegations that passenger Comfort Emmanson was publicly stripped, sexually humiliated, and banned from flying for life after a dispute on board.

The NBA, in a statement signed by its President Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN) and General Secretary Dr. Mobolaji Ojibara, described the incident as an “unlawful and degrading” violation of human dignity and due process. It pledged free legal representation for Emmanson.

Similarly, Naija Feminists Media called the incident a case of “gender-based violence” and “digital sexual abuse,” accusing the airline of weaponising Emmanson’s body as punishment.

Alleged Assault and Viral Vide

According to Naija Feminists Media, the incident occurred on 11 August 2025 when Emmanson — allegedly involved in a dispute with cabin crew — pleaded to leave the aircraft. In the course of removing her, an air hostess allegedly tore her blouse, exposing her breasts.

The group claimed that “someone believed to be an Ibom Air employee filmed the assault and posted the video online,” calling it a deliberate act intended to humiliate her.

“This is not accidental. It is a deliberate assault, which was physical, sexual, and meant to humiliate her. Sharing the video turned it into digital sexual abuse,” the statement read.

Questions Over Selective Justice

The women’s rights organisation highlighted what it called selective justice in Nigeria’s aviation sector, comparing Emmanson’s case to that of popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, who was accused of assaulting airline staff but allegedly faced no comparable punishment.

“Justice should not be selective and must be commensurate with the harm caused,” Naija Feminists Media stated.

Legal and Regulatory Concerns

The NBA criticised Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for imposing a lifetime ban on Emmanson without legal authority, stressing that only the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) can suspend or restrict a passenger’s right to fly.

It described footage showing crew allegedly blocking Emmanson from leaving the plane as potentially amounting to false imprisonment.

Detention and Harsh Penalty

Emmanson is currently remanded at Kirikiri Prison awaiting trial. Authorities have reportedly banned her from flying both domestically and internationally. Both groups say the punishment is “excessive, unjust, and discriminatory.”

Demands from Both Groups

The NBA and Naija Feminists Media have called on Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, the NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and security agencies to launch an urgent, transparent investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

Their demands include:

Lifting the lifetime domestic and international flight ban against Comfort Emmanson

Investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the assault and video leak

Holding Ibom Air accountable for misconduct

Introducing stronger measures to prevent gender-based abuse and protect passenger rights

Wider Implications

The case has sparked a nationwide conversation about passenger rights, corporate accountability, and violence against women in Nigeria. Legal experts say it could set a precedent for how airlines and other corporations handle disputes with passengers.

“The NBA will provide pro bono legal representation to Ms. Comfort Emmanson to ensure that respect for human dignity and the rule of law is not compromised,” the association’s statement read.

NigeriaUpdates will continue to follow the story and report on developments as they unfold.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has expressed deep concern over what it described as an “increasing frequency” of unruly passenger behaviour at airports across the country.

In a statement released on Monday, August 11, 2025, Mrs Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, said such conduct is “entirely unacceptable within the framework of civil aviation and will not be tolerated.”

Passengers, she stressed, must familiarise themselves with the Passengers’ Rights and Responsibilities and the Airlines’ Obligations as outlined by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and FAAN Bye Laws.

“Moving forward, the Authority will not hesitate to implement relevant sanctions as stipulated in ICAO Annex 17, Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations — especially Part 17 — and FAAN Bye Laws against any form of disruptive or threatening behaviour within airport premises,” Mrs Orah said.

FAAN noted that it is currently reviewing its protocols for restraining and prosecuting passengers under the Airport Approved Security Programme and applicable laws.

Incident at Lagos Airport Leads to Arrest

The Authority also addressed a recent incident involving a passenger on Ibom Air at Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal 2 (MM2) in Lagos.

According to FAAN, the situation was initially handled by security personnel at the terminal before the FAAN Aviation Security (AVSEC) team intervened.

“The AVSEC team has since taken the individual into custody and handed her over to the Nigerian Police Force for further investigation and prosecution,” the statement confirmed.

FAAN’s Stance: Zero Tolerance

The Authority reiterated that the safety, security, and comfort of all airport users remain its top priority. Passengers are urged to maintain civility and adhere strictly to airport and airline regulations.

FAAN warned that any acts of inappropriate behaviour will be met with “the full weight of applicable laws and protocols.”

In a bid to end decades of infrastructure decay at Nigeria’s busiest air hub, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has unveiled a comprehensive renovation plan for Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The minister’s public clarification, released through a statement, follows the Federal Executive Council (FEC)’s approval of the ambitious redevelopment project last week.

The statement  was issued to address mounting public curiosity and media speculation following FEC’s announcement, as well as to provide transparency about the scope, funding source, and expected impact of the project on Nigerian travelers and the aviation sector.

Two Terminals, One Vision: Total Modernisation

Keyamo began by educating Nigerians on the layout of the Lagos airport, which houses two international terminals.

“Terminal One is that old building directly facing the long stretch of road leading to the airport built and commissioned in 1979 by the Obasanjo-led military regime. It has two wings known as Wing D and Wing E,” he explained.

“Terminal Two is the new building on the right-hand side as you drive into the airport, started by President Jonathan’s government with a Chinese loan, completed during President Buhari’s government (with the loan), and made operational during President Tinubu’s first one month in office.”

Due to long-term neglect and traffic volumes exceeding design capacity, Terminal One has fallen into disrepair. To tackle this, Keyamo announced a bold plan:

“What we simply want to do is to totally strip down that building, including the entire roof—leaving only the carcass—then re-design and reconfigure it, and build a brand-new airport for the nation to meet modern international standards,” he said. “Both wings D and E will be affected.”

Terminal Two Gets Expansion and Smart Tech

For Terminal Two, the ministry secured approval to expand the structure and apron to cater to larger aircraft, including wide-body planes. To correct a long-standing design flaw, new infrastructure will include independent arrival and departure ring roads and a bridge connecting directly to the departure lounge’s upper floor—eliminating the hassle of hauling luggage up escalators.

“It is a design error we intend to correct,” Keyamo noted.

In addition, smart solutions have been integrated into the new design, aiming to deliver a digitally efficient, world-class airport experience for Nigerian travelers.

Funded by Renewed Hope, Not Loans

Keyamo emphasized that the entire project will not rely on loans but will be funded through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which was set up from savings made through the removal of fuel subsidies.

“This will not be done by a loan from anywhere, but by the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, which is one of the gains made from the removal of subsidies,” he stated.

Public Oversight and Transparency Promised

To ensure accountability, the ministry will regularly invite journalists, civil society groups, and lawmakers for on-site inspections during the renovation.

“It is part of our national heritage and we should all rightly be interested in the final outcome,” Keyamo said.

The minister also encouraged Nigerians to compare costs of similar airport projects globally, especially in Africa, to appreciate the value being delivered.

“I encourage our compatriots to simply Google the cost of most modern airports built around the world in the last few years—including those in Africa like Angola—and you will agree with me that the Bureau for Public Procurement… did a fantastic job for the nation.”

Balancing Renovation with Utilisation

Keyamo closed his statement with a reminder that Nigeria already has new terminals in Kano, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, which remain underutilised due to low air traffic—an issue the government is also looking to address through broader aviation reforms.

To boost public understanding, the ministry has also produced a video explainer showing a graphical breakdown of the proposed construction phases.

Background: Why Keyamo Spoke Out

The need for clarity arose after the FEC’s approval of the airport overhaul stirred public debate, particularly concerning funding sources, project scope, and potential travel disruptions. Given that Lagos’ MMIA handles the highest volume of international passengers in Nigeria, any changes to its structure are of national economic and logistical significance. Keyamo’s statement serves as both reassurance and accountability, positioning the overhaul as part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.