The Citizens Liberties Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (National) expresses deep concern over the recent incident involving Ms. Comfort Emmasson, who was subjected to dehumanizing treatment by air hostesses aboard on Ibom Air flight and subsequently handed a lifetime ban by the Airlines Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Ibom Air without being granted the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
While we recognise the authority of regulatory bodies to maintain order and enforce rules within the aviation sector, such powers must be exercised within the framework of the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.
Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to a fair and public hearing before any sanction affecting their rights is imposed. A unilateral decision, devoid of impartial investigation or opportunity for defence, undermines this constitutional safeguard and erodes public trust in governance.
The treatment meted out to Ms. Emmasson and the lifetime ban imposed without due process set a dangerous precedent. In a democratic society, disputes between service providers and passengers must be resolved with civility, professionalism, and lawful procedure, not humiliation or arbitrary punishment.
We therefore call on the Aviation Ministry, led by the Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN and Ibom Air Management to immediately review this decision, lift the ban pending a transparent inquiry, and put in place clear guidelines to ensure that such actions are never taken without due process. Civil liberties are not privileges; they are non-negotiable guarantees under our Constitution and international human rights obligations.
Signed
NUHU J. EGYA
Chairman, Citizens’ Liberties Committee
National, NBA
Read More:
