The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the unauthorized recording and circulation of an indecent video involving Ms. Comfort Emmanson, a passenger aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 on August 10, 2025.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the human rights advocacy group described the act as a “gross violation of personal dignity and privacy” and a breach of ethical, legal, and human rights standards.
“While FENRAD does not excuse any acts of unruliness or non-compliance aboard an aircraft, no circumstance justifies the public exposure and degradation of a Nigerian citizen—especially in a state of undress,” the group said. “The deliberate recording and distribution of this footage is not only inhumane, but criminal.”
FENRAD called for an immediate, independent, and unbiased investigation by the Federal Government, Ministry of Aviation, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) into the events aboard the flight. It insisted that the probe must go beyond the allegations against Ms. Emmanson to identify those responsible for recording, leaking, and disseminating the footage.
The organisation further demanded the release of all relevant unedited CCTV and surveillance footage covering the boarding, in-flight, and disembarkation phases, as well as baggage claim and tarmac operations where the incident reportedly escalated.
On accountability, FENRAD urged that all parties found guilty—whether crew, ground staff, or passengers—should be prosecuted under Nigerian law, citing contraventions of the Cybercrimes Act 2015 and other privacy protection laws.
It also appealed to the authorities and media to respect Ms. Emmanson’s right to a fair trial and protection from public humiliation as legal proceedings commence.
“This incident sets a dangerous precedent if left unchecked,” the statement warned. “No Nigerian—regardless of status or alleged offense—should be subjected to public shaming or digital violence. The rights of citizens must be protected, even in moments of conflict or confrontation.”
FENRAD pledged to continue monitoring the case and take legal or civil action if necessary to ensure accountability.
