The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a prominent human rights organisation, has issued a strong condemnation of the unauthorised recording and circulation of a video showing a passenger in a state of undress aboard an Ibom Air flight.
The incident, which occurred on Flight Q153 on August 10, 2025, involved Ms. Comfort Emmanson and has sparked outrage over privacy violations and the public humiliation of a Nigerian citizen.
In a press release, FENRAD described the act as a “gross violation of personal dignity and privacy,” asserting that it represents a clear breach of ethical, legal, and human rights standards.
While the organisation acknowledged that it does not condone “unruliness or non-compliance” on an aircraft, it firmly stated that such behaviour “does not justify the public exposure and degradation” of an individual.
“The deliberate recording and distribution of this footage is not only inhumane, but criminal,” the statement read.
FENRAD is now calling for a series of immediate and decisive actions from relevant authorities: The organisation has urged the Federal Government, the Ministry of Aviation, and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to establish an independent panel of inquiry. This investigation, FENRAD insists, must extend beyond the allegations against Ms. Emmanson to identify and hold accountable those responsible for recording and leaking the video.
FENRAD has demanded that Ibom Air and airport authorities release all unedited CCTV footage related to the incident, including video from boarding, in-flight, and disembarkation, as well as footage from baggage claim and the tarmac.
The human rights group is demanding the full prosecution of anyone, whether crew, ground staff, or other passengers, who is found to have breached Ms. Emmanson’s rights. FENRAD highlights that these actions may violate Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act of 2015 and other privacy protection laws.
FENRAD called on authorities and media outlets to ensure that, as legal proceedings against Ms. Emmanson commence, her right to a fair trial and protection from “cruel treatment and public humiliation” is fully respected.
The organisation concluded its statement by warning that the incident sets a “dangerous precedent” if left unaddressed. “No Nigerian, regardless of status or alleged offence, should be subjected to public shaming or digital violence,” FENRAD declared.
The group pledged to continue monitoring developments and stated its readiness to take legal or civil action to ensure accountability.
