The Open Society on Justice Reform Project, a human rights advocacy group, has stated that dropping criminal charges and lifting the lifetime flight ban against Ibom Air passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson does not constitute justice for the “gross violations” of her constitutionally protected rights.
In a statement signed by its official, Sam Akpologun, the group responded to the announcement by the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo (SAN), that Ms. Emmanson would soon be released from custody and cleared to fly again.
SaharaReporters earlier reported that Keyamo announced the withdrawal of criminal complaints against female passenger, Ms. Emmanson and music star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, popularly known as KWAM 1, following incidents of unruly behaviour at Nigerian airports.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the minister said consultations with key aviation stakeholders over the past 48 hours informed his decision.
He noted that the incidents, while regrettable, highlighted the need for greater public awareness and adherence to proper conduct within the aviation sector.
Regarding the Ibom Airline incident on Sunday, August 10, Ms. Emmanson exhibited remorse during her police statement, prompting the airline to withdraw its complaint.
Minister Keyamo further directed that all aviation agencies and related bodies hold a retreat next week to retrain airport security personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating potential conflicts.
But Akpologun stated, “While these steps are welcome, they do not address, and certainly do not remedy, the gross breaches of her constitutionally guaranteed rights under Chapter IV of the Constitution.”
Citing Section 34 of the Constitution, the group noted that Ibom Air staff, including a flight attendant, “unlawfully detained, publicly humiliated and manhandled” Ms. Emmanson, and that her nude images were later circulated online.
“It is now evident that the provocation came from a flight attendant who removed her wig, seized and smashed her phone, and physically blocked her from disembarking after the flight, a journey that had been completed without incident prior to that moment,” the group said.
The group further noted that Ms. Emmanson’s freedom of movement under Section 41 was violated when she was prevented from leaving the aircraft, and her right to fair hearing under Section 36 was breached when the airline imposed a lifetime ban without giving her an opportunity to defend herself.
While acknowledging the Minister’s admission that “clear wrongs were committed by both offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved,” the group criticised the absence of any announced disciplinary measures against the crew member at the centre of the dispute.
“The withdrawal of criminal charges and the lifting of the ban are acts of clemency; they are not justice. Justice requires acknowledgement of wrongdoing, restitution, and deterrence,” Akpologun said.
The group demanded, “Public acknowledgement by Ibom Air and the Ministry of Aviation of the rights breaches of Ms. Emmanson. Disciplinary action against the flight attendant accused of assault and unlawful detention.
“Compensation to Ms. Emmanson for unlawful detention, degrading treatment, and reputational damage, and a review of airline disciplinary processes to ensure compliance with constitutional rights.”
The group stressed that “the Constitution is not suspended at the airport gate or on board an aircraft” and that no aviation regulation grants airline staff the licence to punish passengers without due process.
“The Nigerian public must be assured that safety in the skies will never be pursued at the expense of the dignity, liberty, and fairness owed to every citizen,” Akpologun said.
