CSO Offers Ibom Airs’ Banned Passenger Free Legal Services

A Civil Society Organisation, The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development, has called for a thorough investigation into Ibom Air and regulatory authorities’ treatment of Comfort Emmanson.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Office, Omoniyi Akingunola, the organisation also offered to provide free legal services to Emmanson, describing her treatment as “unfair, unjust, and unacceptable”.

Videos circulating on social media showed an enraged Emmanson attacking flight attendants on an Ibom Air flight inbound to Lagos from Uyo and confronting airport security officials.

Ibom Air said the incident began shortly before take-off from Uyo when the passenger refused to comply with standard aviation safety procedures requiring her to switch off her mobile phone.

The airline company said her conduct posed a serious threat to the safety of its crew, passengers, and aircraft.

The domestic carrier has since imposed a travel restriction on her, adding that she will no longer be allowed to fly on any of its aircraft.

The group criticised the Airline Operators of Nigeria for imposing a lifetime ban on Emmanson without a proper hearing or an investigation.