Controversy Over Airline ‘No-Fly’ Ban in Nigeria
A recent decision by Nigerian airlines to ban a passenger for life after an alleged assault on cabin crew has sparked a heated debate.
A legal expert, Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq., has publicly stated that this “no-fly” ban is against Nigeria’s laws and goes beyond what the airlines are allowed to do.
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What Happened?
The incident occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025. A female passenger, identified as Ms. Comfort Emmanson, was flying with Ibom Air from Uyo to Lagos. According to the airline, she had refused to turn off her phone before take-off. After the plane landed at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, she allegedly attacked an Ibom Air Purser (a senior crew member).
The airline claims Ms. Emmanson stepped on the Purser, pulled off her wig, removed her glasses, and repeatedly slapped her. She is also accused of assaulting another crew member, trying to grab a fire extinguisher, and attacking security staff on the ground. She was eventually restrained and handed over to the police.
The Airlines’ Response
Following the incident, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), a group representing the airlines, announced a lifetime ban on Ms. Emmanson. This means she is banned from flying with any Nigerian airline, both domestically and internationally, forever. AON condemned her actions as one of the most serious cases of unruly passenger behavior in 2025 and warned that similar actions would lead to the same severe penalty.
She was later charged in court and reportedly sent to Kirikiri Correctional Center in Lagos.
The Lawyer’s Argument
Pelumi Olajengbesi, a well-known legal practitioner, strongly disagrees with the AON’s ban. He argues that the AON is simply a voluntary group of airlines, not a government body. Therefore, they do not have the legal power to impose such a ban on anyone.
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He stressed that under Nigerian law, only the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is authorized to issue and enforce flight restrictions across the country. This power is outlined in Sections 31 and 32 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022. Olajengbesi stated that the AON’s action is a “reckless” move and goes against the passenger’s fundamental right to freedom of movement, which is protected by Section 41 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
Furthermore, he criticized how quickly Ms. Emmanson was taken to court and remanded without enough time to prepare her defense, calling it a violation of her right to a fair hearing. While he agrees that unruly behavior should be punished, he insists it must be done through the proper legal channels by the right authorities.
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Public Reactions
The AON’s ban has led to mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media:
Some feel the ban is too harsh. For example, one person on X (formerly Twitter) said a lifetime ban is “excessive” and suggested a shorter suspension like six months or a year would be more appropriate.
Others pointed fingers at how aviation staff handled the situation. Some believe that unprofessional conduct by airline workers can sometimes make such situations worse.
A more balanced view acknowledged that passengers must follow crew instructions, especially for safety, and that assaulting crew members is unacceptable and should be punished. However, this view also questioned the professionalism of how the passenger was removed and asked why similar high-profile cases might have been treated differently in the past.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between ensuring safety and order on flights and protecting the constitutional rights and due process for individuals.
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