Former Minister of Youth and Sports of Nigeria, Barrister Solomon Dalong, has condemned the inhumane treatment of Ms. Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air and Nigerian security officials.
Dalong in a statement described the incident as a clear case of selective and degrading treatment, calling for her immediate release and proper compensation.
Ms. Emmanson was accused of refusing to switch off her phone during a flight. Upon arrival in Lagos, she was reportedly detained by airline staff, forcefully removed, stripped naked, humiliated on video, and quickly charged to court before being remanded at Kirikiri prison.
Barrister Dalong contrasted her treatment with that of popular singer Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, known as KWAM 1, who disrupted flight operations by splashing liquid on a female pilot and blocking a plane from taxiing. Despite this, KWAM 1 faced no legal consequences and was met with an apology from the President.
“This reckless abuse of power cannot be allowed to slide,” Dalong said. “If Ms. Emmanson had political influence or social connections, she would never have been subjected to such cruelty. Justice for her is justice for every poor and voiceless Nigerian.”
He demanded that Ibom Air issue a public apology in at least two national newspapers and pay adequate compensation for the assault and humiliation Ms. Emmanson endured.
Human rights groups have joined calls for accountability, emphasizing that no citizen should face degrading treatment regardless of status.
