Damaged Dignity Warrants Compensation for Ibom Air Passenger - Mary Njoku's Declaration
Mary Njoku, a renowned Nollywood actress, has spoken out against the treatment of Comfort Emmanson by Ibom Air. The incident, which occurred on August 10, 2025, during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about airline passenger rights and the conduct of airline employees.
Njoku strongly condemned the airline's handling of Emmanson, particularly the alleged stripping and indecent exposure of the female passenger during her forcible removal from the flight. She was reportedly offloaded after refusing to comply with the phone rule during takeoff. What drew widespread attention was the viral video showing Emmanson being dragged off the plane with parts of her body exposed.
Njoku expressed her outrage at the circulation of this footage online, stating that it was a gross violation of Emmanson's dignity. She demanded compensation for the emotional and reputational harm inflicted upon Emmanson, emphasising that airline staff are trained professionals who should act in a respectful and humane manner.
The actress compared the treatment of Emmanson to the public parading of suspects or criminals without clothes, insisting that such behaviour is unacceptable. She refuses to believe that dehumanising someone, stripping a woman naked, and broadcasting it online is part of airline staff training.
Njoku's statements reflect a growing sensitivity towards such mistreatment and the need for accountability in the aviation industry. The viral dissemination of such footage raises ethical and legal concerns about privacy rights and professional conduct.
In brief, Njoku's reaction highlights:
- Condemnation of physical and psychological mistreatment, including stripping and exposure
- Demand for compensation for emotional and reputational harm
- Call for professional and dignified handling of passengers by airline staff
- Outrage at the viral circulation of the indecent video
The response to this incident signals greater scrutiny of airline passenger rights and the conduct of airline employees, not just in Nigeria, but globally. Njoku expects airline officials to act in a respectful and humane manner, and she believes that Comfort Emmanson should not face the consequences of her actions alone.
- In the aftermath of the incident involving Comfort Emmanson, Nollywood celebrities, such as Mary Njoku, have joined in the call for accountability in Nigeria's aviation industry, emphasizing the need for respectful and dignified treatment of passengers by airline staff.
- The Nigerian entertainment industry is not only concerned about the unprofessional behavior displayed by Ibom Air staff towards Comfort Emmanson but also about the circulating video that violated her privacy rights, further adding to her emotional distress.
- The recent incident involving Comfort Emmanson has sparked discussions about JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board) setting guidelines for training airline personnel to ensure they uphold professionalism, respect for human rights, and maintain a standard of decency when dealing with passengers, not just in Naija (Nigeria), but worldwide.