…calls for full, transparent investigation
CHUKWUEBUKA OHIZU
The Youth and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) has condemned the alleged unruly behaviuor attributed to one Miss Comfort Emmanson, a 26-year-old passenger, and the subsequent uncivil conduct aboard the Ibom Air flight from Uyo to Lagos on August 10, 2025.
YSAD unequivocally condemned the circulation of a her nude video, which it regard as a grave violation of dignity and a breach of the rights of the accused.
In a release by Obinna Nwagbara,
Executive Director of YSAD, the pro-youth group
maintained that all parties deserve due process and that justice must be guided by facts, not sensationalism.
He said that the matter transcends sensational headlines, as it touches on public safety, travelers’ rights, media ethics, and the integrity of the national institutions.
“On World Youth Day 2025, YSAD calls upon Nigeria’s leadership and law enforcement agencies to demonstrate commitment to due process, transparency, and justice by ensuring a comprehensive investigation and timely release of verifiable evidence,” Nwagbara said.
He urged Ibom Air, aviation regulators, and relevant authorities to cooperate fully with investigators and to maintain public confidence through openness and accountability.
YSAD said it is concerned by the conflicting statements from Ibom Air and the inconsistencies between different online video accounts.
“In particular, we note: the airline’s report that a passenger allegedly grabbed Comfort Emmanson’s phone, switched it off, and that she waited for all other passengers to disembark before confronting the air hostess.
“Another video online, purportedly recorded by the passenger, with her wig on and her clothing largely intact, likewise those of the air hostess, requesting to be allowed to disembark the aircraft, which predates the reported physical confrontation.
“In light of these inconsistencies, and in the interests of justice, due process, and public trust, YSAD calls for the following actions:
“Immediate release of CCTV footage. That’s the full, unedited CCTV footage from the aircraft for the moments surrounding the incident, as well as any relevant footage from the airport and boarding areas, to ensure transparency and public trust.
” If permissible under privacy and legal standards, the footage should be released to the public or to a neutral, authenticated body for scrutiny to verify the sequence of events.
“Independent and thorough investigation
We urge the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Minister of Aviation, the Minister of Youth and Sports, and the Inspector General of Police to appoint an independent investigative panel to determine precisely what occurred.”
YSAD said that the investigation should examine the sequence of events on board, including any interactions between Comfort Emmanson, air hostesses, and other passengers.
It also urged that the investigation ought to loot at the handling of any confiscations or devices, including the alleged confiscation and switch-off of a passenger’s phone.
“The origin and distribution of any videos, with due regard to privacy rights. The timeline of events, including disembarkation and any videos that may predate the incident, welfare and rights of all parties.
“The protection of the rights and dignity of Comfort Emmanson and the air crew, in line with the presumption of innocence and Nigeria’s laws on privacy, defamation, and fair trial.
“Any sensational or nude imagery circulating online should be examined for potential copyright, privacy violations, or defamatory content, and appropriate actions should be taken against those who disseminate private material without consent.
“Accountability and legal proceedings, if findings indicate misconduct, ensure fair prosecution in accordance with due process. If findings reveal improper handling by any personnel, take corrective actions and implement safeguards to prevent recurrence.”
YSAD said that public accountability and citizen engagement are necessary and calls for thoughtful input from Nigerians who were on the flight or who have verifiable information to come forward in a manner that protects privacy and safety.”
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