The Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD) has urged authorities to launch a detailed investigation into the incident involving Comfort Emmanson and personnel of Ibom Air.

In a statement released on Monday, Omoniyi Akingunola, NEFGAD’s Head of Office, described Emmanson’s treatment as “unfair, unjust, and unacceptable,” and announced that the organisation is offering her free legal representation.

Viral social media footage shows Comfort Emmanson in a heated exchange with Ibom Air crew and airport security on a flight from Uyo to Lagos. The airline claims the dispute started when she refused to turn off her phone before takeoff, posing a safety risk to those onboard.

In response, Ibom Air imposed a travel ban on Emmanson, stating she would no longer be allowed to fly with the airline.

However, NEFGAD has strongly criticized both Ibom Air and the Airline Operators of Nigeria for endorsing a lifetime ban on Emmanson without following proper due process.

“There was no proper investigation, no fair hearing. Punitive action like a lifetime ban must be backed by facts not assumptions,” Akingunola said.

He also faulted the Nigeria Police for rushing the matter to court without conducting what he described as “adequate fact-finding.” Akingunola argued that the widely circulated footage does not show the full context, as the confrontation reportedly began inside the aircraft.

“We demand the release of the in-flight video to determine whether the passenger was provoked. Judging this incident solely on the clip recorded outside the plane is both misleading and dangerous,” he added.

NEFGAD questioned why a passenger ready to disembark would suddenly refuse to leave unless something triggered her reaction. The group suggested that the situation may have been intentionally escalated by the crew.

“Cabin crew members are not law enforcement agents,” Akingunola said. “They must be trained to de-escalate situations not inflame them.”

As public debate around the incident continues to grow, NEFGAD has pledged to pursue legal action if necessary and is calling for transparency from both Ibom Air and aviation authorities.