TOP STORIES

Breaking News and Highlights That Shape Our World

JUNE 12: Idahosa Seeks Renewed Commitment to Democratic Ideals

IJUNE 12: Idahosa Seeks Renewed Commitment to Democratic Ideals   Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has called on Nigerians to...

Court Judgment:INEC Restores 22 Suppressed Constituencies In Benue, Delta,Jigawa, Kogi

Court Judgment:INEC Restores 22 Suppressed Constituencies In Benue, Delta,Jigawa, Kogi   The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has restored 22 state constituencies in...

Constitution Review: Reps Publish Final Draft Of Amendment Bills Up For Voting Today 

Constitution Review: Reps Publish Final Draft Of Amendment Bills Up For Voting Today   The House of Representatives has released the final print...

“₦140bn Approved, Less Than 10% Released — SEDC Tells Senate”

“₦140bn Approved, Less Than 10% Released — SEDC Tells Senate” The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability...

Reps Set to Pass State Police Bill Tomorrow To Tackle Insecurity

Reps Set to Pass State Police Bill Tomorrow To Tackle Insecurity   The House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to passing the...

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS IN AKOKO EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

PRESS RELEASE   NO 422/ EDSGH/ 2026 OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, EDO STATE   TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS IN AKOKO EDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT...

House PAC Recovers ₦521 Million VAT Withheld By CBN

House PAC Recovers ₦521 Million VAT Withheld By CBN The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, PAC, says it has recovered ₦521.76million in...

G-60 Lawmakers Deny Forgery Claims In Ugochinyere’s Minority Leader Nomination-Release Video Evidence

G-60 Lawmakers Deny Forgery Claims In Ugochinyere’s Minority Leader Nomination-Release Video Evidence The G-60 Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has dismissed...

Don't miss these

“₦140bn Approved, Less Than 10% Released — SEDC Tells Senate”

“₦140bn Approved, Less Than 10% Released — SEDC Tells Senate” The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability...

25 Startups Win SEDC Pitch Competition

25 Startups Win SEDC Pitch Competition     South East Development Commission (SEDC) has announced the winners of the inaugural South East Venture...

EBS TV

Trending Now

politicsTop News

HOW LAWFUL IS THE ALLEGED LIFETIME BAN BY THE AIRLINE OPERATORS OF NIGERIA (AON) ON AN OFFENDING PASSENGER? By Monday Ubani The recent unruly conduct of passengers during domestic flights in Nigeria has raised legitimate concerns about acceptable in-flight behaviour, aviation safety, and appropriate disciplinary measures. Two recent cases stand out: that of Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1), and Ms. Comfort Emmanson, both accused of breaches of aviation regulations resulting in flight disruptions. While Kwam 1 was allegedly placed on a six-month “no-fly” list by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, Ms. Comfort Emmanson has reportedly been placed on a lifetime no-fly list by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON). It is this latest measure, the lifetime ban by AON that raises profound legal, procedural, and constitutional concerns Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees the right to a fair hearing before a court or tribunal established by law in the determination of a person’s rights or obligations. The AON’s unilateral action to impose a lifetime industry-wide ban, without affording the passenger the opportunity to be heard, violates the principle of audi alteram partem. This decision is punitive in nature and impacts the passenger’s right to freedom of movement and access to lawful transport services, yet it was taken without judicial process. Section 41 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to move freely within Nigeria and to travel abroad. While an individual airline may refuse carriage to a passenger for safety reasons under its contractual rights, an industry-wide lifetime ban by a trade association like AON amounts to a de facto travel ban. This type of sanction has nationwide and international implications. The life-time ban constitutes a restriction on a constitutional right without a court order. The lawful regulator of civil aviation in Nigeria is the NCAA, created under the Civil Aviation Act by the National Assembly. NCAA regulations allow airlines to deny boarding to disruptive passengers for safety reasons, but do not confer on AON the power to impose an indefinite, industry-wide sanction. Even in jurisdictions with strict “no-fly” regimes (e.g., the United States), such lists are managed by government agencies, subject to statutory frameworks, periodic reviews, and appeal mechanisms. A permanent blanket ban without the possibility of review or reversal is disproportionate. It should be challenged as excessive, especially where the alleged misconduct has not resulted in a court conviction. In Ms. Emmanson’s case, she has been arraigned and remanded pending trial, a bailable offence if established. Until the courts determine guilt, any indefinite industry-wide punishment is premature. Allowing a trade association to act as an accuser, investigator, judge, and executioner sets a dangerous precedent for bias and abuse. Disputed facts, such as whether provocation occurred, are matters for police investigation and criminal prosecution, not unilateral corporate adjudication. The AON’s reference to past incidents involving other public figures, without binding judicial outcomes, also risks reputational punishment without proof. If a passenger’s conduct threatens safety, airlines and the AON should offload the passenger and report to Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Nigerian Police Force. They can also purse prosecution under the Civil Aviation (Security) Regulations or the Criminal Code. Thirdly, where justified, they can seek court order imposing travel restrictions. Finally, they can ensure industry-wide ban, which is based on NCAA-administered regulations with a right of appeal to the appropriate court if feasible. While unruly behaviour on flights is unacceptable and should be dealt with decisively, the Airline Operators of Nigeria lacks constitutional or statutory authority to impose a lifetime, industry-wide ban without due process. The lifetime ban against Ms. Comfort Emmanson is contestable and potentially unlawful as it violates: (a) Natural justice (right to fair hearing) (b) Constitutional freedom of movement (c) Proportionality in sanctions Such a passenger could seek redress in the Federal High Court, asking for a declaration that the ban is unconstitutional and void, alongside damages for breach of fundamental rights. In condemning the alleged conduct of both Kwam 1 and Ms. Emmanson, which falls far short of acceptable standards, it must equally be said that justice must be balanced. One party can not be the accuser, prosecutor, and judge. Without fairness and due process, justice is missing in action. Dr M.O..Ubani SAN, is a Legal Practitioner, and Public Affairs Commentator.

Our Presenters

Patricks Oiwoh

Xaint Patrix

Chelsea Osho

The Radio Teacher

Matthew Ajakaiye

The Big Homie

Andrea Onoshokeyame

Dregirl

Ivie Oshoriah Omigie

Your Best Friend

Osato Osunde

AJ

Advertise with Us!

Reach your target audience with Edo State Broadcasting Service. With our extensive reach across television, radio, and digital platforms, we provide the perfect avenue to showcase your brand, products, or services. Our advertising solutions are tailored to meet your business needs, ensuring maximum visibility and impact. Partner with us today and connect with the heart of Edo State, Nigeria and beyond.

Programmes

Sports today
Edo Direct
Edo in Diaspora
Politics Today
Politics Gbasgbos
Business Morning
Edo Economy
More Programmes

Live TV

Web view
Mobile view

Live Radio

Web view
Mobile view

About Us

About EBS
Management
Contact
Privacy Policy
Advertise

Follow & share