CHRAN Demands Probe Into Alleged Dehumanisation Of Ibom Air Passenger
By Dennis Udoma, Uyo
The Center for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has condemned what it describes as the “inhuman and degrading treatment” of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos, calling for a full-scale investigation by the federal aviation authorities.
In a joint statement issued in Uyo on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, CHRAN’s Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, and Secretary, Barrister Christopher Ekpo, demanded that CCTV footage from the aircraft be reviewed, eyewitnesses summoned, and both the Airline and Ms. Emmanson given equal opportunity to present their accounts.
The rights group strongly criticized the lifetime ban imposed on the passenger by Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), describing it as “hasty” and urging its suspension pending the outcome of an impartial probe.
CHRAN expressed outrage over the manner Ms. Emmanson was allegedly bundled out of the aircraft, stripped naked, videotaped, and exposed in a viral clip, which it said grossly violated her right to privacy and dignity.
The group also faulted the rapid judicial process that led to her remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
According to CHRAN, Ibom Air officials displayed “a lack of professionalism” in handling what it believed was a manageable situation, escalating tensions by preventing the passenger from disembarking peacefully. While acknowledging reports of Ms. Emmanson’s alleged unruly behaviour, the group insisted that airline staff are held to higher standards of civility and professionalism.
CHRAN has called on the Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to ensure transparency and fairness in their investigations into the incident.