The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has criticised Ibom Air and aviation regulators over their handling of Comfort Emmanson, the passenger recently banned from flying with the airline.
In a statement on Monday, NEFGAD’s Head of Office, Omoniyi Akingunola, described Emmanson’s treatment as “unfair, unjust, and unacceptable” and offered her free legal representation.
Viral videos on social media show Emmanson confronting flight attendants during a Uyo–Lagos Ibom Air flight and later clashing with airport security. According to Ibom Air, the incident began before take-off when she allegedly refused to switch off her phone as required by aviation safety rules. The airline claimed her actions endangered passengers, crew, and the aircraft, leading to a lifetime ban.
NEFGAD faulted the Airline Operators of Nigeria for imposing the ban without a proper investigation or hearing and criticised the police for taking the case to court without adequate fact-finding.
Akingunola argued that publicly available footage was incomplete and that the confrontation started onboard. He called on Ibom Air to release the in-flight video, alleging that Emmanson’s reaction may have been provoked.
“It is wrong to judge the incident solely on the clip recorded outside the aircraft,” he said. “It appears she was prevented from disembarking, possibly as a provocation to ensure she was penalised.”
He further questioned why a passenger willing to leave the plane would later refuse, suggesting the situation was deliberately escalated. He also stressed that cabin crew are not law enforcement officers and should avoid actions that lead to physical assault.
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