The Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEHUR) has strongly criticised Ibom Air over what it called the “deeply disturbing and dehumanizing” treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger on its Uyo-to-Lagos flight on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, Executive Director Kunle Daniel accused the airline of violating human rights, infringing on civil liberties, and using excessive force in ways that “bring disrepute to Nigeria’s aviation industry.”
According to CEDEHUR, the dispute began when cabin crew gave the standard safety instruction for passengers to switch off their phones or activate airplane mode before takeoff. An eyewitness cited by the group said Ms. Emmanson explained her phone was already in flight mode and faulty, but the purser insisted she turn it off completely.
“What should have been a minor issue spiralled into unlawful detention, public humiliation, physical assault, and psychological trauma,” CEDEHUR stated.
The group said that upon arrival in Lagos, the purser blocked Ms. Emmanson from leaving the aircraft, ignoring pleas from fellow passengers. Video clips online show travellers urging the crew to allow her disembark, to no avail.
CEDEHUR argued the episode flouted international and Nigerian aviation regulations on electronic device use.
“The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) all permit the use of personal electronic devices in airplane mode during non-critical phases of flight,” CEDEHUR said.
It cited FAA regulation 14 CFR § 91.21, EASA’s AMC1 CAT.GEN.MPA.140, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) 2022 Advisory Circulars, which only require devices to be in airplane mode or switched off during takeoff and landing.
It however, stated that “The crew’s aggressive enforcement in this case was disproportionate, unnecessary, and inconsistent with these guidelines,” the statement added.
The group described events after landing as “the most disturbing aspect” of the case. It alleged that an air hostess forcefully removed Ms. Emmanson’s hairpiece while male security officers tore her clothes, leaving her partially unclothed, and held her down despite her pleas, adding that her possessions were seized as she was dragged from the plane into a waiting bus, and taken to a holding facility. The following day, she was arraigned in court and remanded in prison.
“These actions raise serious concerns about the denial of her constitutional rights under Sections 34, 35, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” CEDEHUR stated.
Ibom Air claimed Ms. Emmanson had attempted to damage an aircraft valued at over $2,000 — an allegation CEDEHUR dismissed as “implausible and unsupported by credible evidence.”
The group also pointed out that NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, publicly disclaimed any role in her arrest or arraignment, stating that the regulator had no involvement and that the airline acted independently.
CEDEHUR therefore called for Ms. Emmanson’s unconditional release, a public apology from Ibom Air, and compensation for “the physical, emotional, and reputational harm caused.”
It urged the NCAA, the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and relevant human rights agencies to conduct an independent inquiry into the matter.
“Failure to release Ms. Emmanson within 24 hours will compel CEDEHUR to file legal action against Ibom Air and any complicit parties for gross violation of human rights and breach of consumer protection laws,” Daniel warned.
