Ibom Air and the Comfort Emmanson Case: A Constitutional Breach That Demands Justice AARE OLUMUYIWA AKINBORO, SAN, DEMANDS JUSTICE OVER IBOM AIR’S INHUMANE AND DEGRADING TREATMENT OF MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

Ibom Air and the Comfort Emmanson Case: A Constitutional Breach That Demands Justice

AARE OLUMUYIWA AKINBORO, SAN, DEMANDS JUSTICE OVER IBOM AIR’S INHUMANE & DEGRADING TREATMENT OF MS. COMFORT EMMANSON

Abuja, Nigeria — August 12, 2025

'Ibom Air’s treatment of Comfort Emmanson, from public humiliation to indecent image circulation, is a clear violation of human rights under Section 34 of the Nigerian Constitution. Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, demands justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ dignity'

I unequivocally condemn the degrading and unlawful treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson aboard an Ibom Air flight on 10 August 2025, and the subsequent imposition of a lifetime ban against her.

The events, including her forcible removal from the aircraft, the stripping of her clothing in public, and the unauthorised dissemination of indecent images online constitute a flagrant violation of Section 34(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which guarantees every person the right to dignity of the human person, and expressly prohibits torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Such conduct is unacceptable in a society governed by the rule of law and demands urgent, decisive action to restore public confidence in our justice system and protect citizens’ rights from arbitrary abuse.

I demand:

1. The immediate withdrawal of the lifetime ban and the issuance of a formal, public apology to Ms. Emmanson.

2. A comprehensive, independent investigation by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other competent agencies to determine culpability.

3. The identification and prosecution of all individuals involved in filming, disseminating, and publishing indecent images of Ms. Emmanson, in accordance with applicable criminal and cybercrime laws.

Furthermore, the swiftness with which Ms. Emmanson was charged and remanded raises serious concerns as to whether due process was truly observed or whether the airline and its collaborators are attempting to obscure the full truth of what transpired. Justice must not be rushed at the expense of fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Due process and the right to be heard are foundational principles of justice. The unilateral imposition of punitive measures without affording the affected person an opportunity to defend herself sets a dangerous precedent, undermines the credibility of regulatory institutions, and erodes public trust in the aviation sector.

I call on the Minister for Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and all relevant law enforcement agencies to act decisively, enforce adherence to constitutional and human rights standards, and ensure that those responsible for these violations are held fully accountable.

The protection of human dignity and the supremacy of the rule of law are non negotiable. In this matter, justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, FCIArb (UK), FIMC, Life Bencher