13/08/2026
Part 2....
Public Statement & Gender- Violence Specialist
By: Shedrack Mobolaji, MSc. Gender & Development Studies, Social Worker, GBV Specialist,
The viral footage of Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a female passenger on Ibom Airlines, being forcefully ejected by multiple male security personnel, has sparked nationwide debate. While many discussions have focused on her alleged misconduct, the gendered violence, humiliation, and human rights violations embedded in the incident must not be ignored.
1. Violence is Violence - No Matter the Context
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is any act that causes physical, sexual, psychological, or emotional harm to a person based on their gender. What I saw in that video goes beyond disciplinary action - it depicts excessive physical force, public shaming, and the sexualized humiliation of a woman, as her breast was exposed without any attempt by authorities to protect her dignity.
Even if a passenger violates aviation protocols, due process and professional restraint must be applied. Assault and public stripping - intentional or as a result of excessive force - is never acceptable.
2. The Breach of Dignity and Consent
In Nigeria, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act) clearly prohibits indecent exposure, assault, and harassment. Under Section 2 & 23, every person has the right to bodily integrity and dignity, even when under arrest or disciplinary action.
The public exposure of Ms. Emmanson’s bwezz, especially in a male-dominated enforcement setting, amounts to:
Sexual harassment by exposure (even if unintended)
Gender-based humiliation
Psychological trauma
This could be further classified as secondary victimization, where the handling of a case itself becomes abusive.
3. The Gender Lens - Why This Is More Than “Discipline”
If the passenger were male, the incident may not have carried sexual humiliation as a consequence. For women, clothing displacement during forceful handling is a known risk of GBV in arrest scenarios.
In a patriarchal society like Nigeria, public exposure of a woman’s bwezz? carries deep layers of shame, stigma, and victim-blaming. Unfortunately, social media commentary already reflects this, with people mocking instead of asking how this could have been prevented.
4. Professional Handling Was Possible
Aviation and airport security agencies have clear de-escalation protocols. These include:
Use of female officers when handling female passengers
Ensuring privacy during restraint or ejection
Avoiding public humiliation and ensuring clothing integrity
Documenting incidents for internal disciplinary and legal processes rather than viral social media exposure
Had these steps been taken, Ms. Emmanson could have been removed without physical assault or sexualized humiliation.
5. Educating Nigerians - We Must Stop the Culture of Justifying Abuse
Many Nigerians see this as “she deserved it”, ignoring that human rights are not earned by good behavior — they are inherent. Today it is Ms. Emmanson; tomorrow, it could be your sister, wife, or daughter.
We must demand:
Gender-sensitive law enforcement training
Accountability for officers who use excessive force
Aviation policies that protect the dignity of all passengers
National awareness that violence is never an acceptable method of discipline
Conclusion
The Ibom Airlines incident is not only about a breach of airline rules - it is a case study in how institutional responses can escalate into gender-based violence. Nigeria must balance safety protocols with dignity, rights, and respect, ensuring that no woman’s body becomes collateral damage in the name of discipline. What's your opinion? Let me see you at the comment Section...
By: Shedrack Mobolaji, MSc. Gender & Development Studies, Social Worker, GBV Specialist Divine Cares Int Outreach - NGO
