By Safiyat Muhammed | Lagos
In Nigeria News Today, The Bureau News reports that Naija Feminists Media has strongly condemned the alleged assault, sexual humiliation, and discriminatory punishment of Comfort Emmason, a passenger on an Ibom Air flight.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, August 11, during an altercation on board. According to the advocacy group, Comfort was forcibly disembarked from the aircraft after an air hostess allegedly tore her blouse, leaving her breasts exposed.
“A person believed to be an Ibom Air employee filmed the incident and posted it online, turning the assault into an act of digital sexual abuse,” the group claimed, stressing that the harm was both prolonged and amplified.
Naija Feminists Media further alleged that the assault amounted to gender-based violence, targeting Comfort “because she is a woman and using her body as a tool for humiliation.”
The group also criticised her remand at Kirikiri Prison and the imposition of an indefinite domestic and international flight ban, calling the punishment “excessive, unjust, and discriminatory.”
They pointed to a recent incident involving popular musician Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, who allegedly assaulted an airline staff member but did not face a comparable sanction, describing the contrast as evidence of selective justice.
The organisation urged Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, to:
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Hold Ibom Air accountable.
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Investigate the incident thoroughly.
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Prosecute those responsible for both the physical assault and the video leak.
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Lift the flight ban on Comfort.
Meanwhile, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has announced a lifetime “No Fly” ban on Comfort Emmason, preventing her from boarding any domestic or international flight.
For more updates on aviation controversies and Nigeria News Today, visit The Bureau News.
