There are indications that the pronouncement of a lifetime air travel ban on Air Ibom’s Comfort Emmanson, by the Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, mey not hold water further after all. 

This is because lifetime ban as declared by the association is currently sparking controversy, with aviation experts questioning the decision’s lawfulness.

The AON has imposed the ban after Emmanson allegedly assaulted crew members on an Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos. 

However, some experts argue that AON lacks the authority to impose such a ban.

They argued that Emmanson was denied a fair hearing before the ban was imposed, violating her right to natural justice.

Another reason adduced is that the rushed verdict is a violation her inate right to freedom if movement, as such pronouncement restricts her to move freely within Nigeria and travel abroad.

Some of the AON members also saw the lifetime ban as disproportionate, especially without a court conviction. 

Retired Group Captain John Ojikutu believes AON has no legal mandate to issue flight bans, stating: “Airlines can choose not to carry a passenger, just as passengers have rights. But AON cannot act as a regulator; they don’t have any extant law backing such a ban.”

Also reacting, Dr. M.O. Ubani, SAN, notes that allowing AON to act as accuser, investigator, judge, and executioner sets a “dangerous precedent for bias and abuse”.

Aviation stakeholders argue that only the regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have the authority to impose  penalties. 

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned Ibom Air’s actions and the lifetime ban imposed on Emmanson, describing them as “reckless, unlawful, and a grave affront to human dignity”. 

The NBA demands that Ibom Air withdraw the ban, issue a public apology, and cooperate with an impartial investigation.