Nigerian singer Simi has called for the prosecution of airport staff accused of leaking an indecent video of Ibom Air passenger Comfort Emmanson. The clip, which went viral online, showed the passenger partially exposed during a confrontation with security personnel.
The incident occurred on August 10 aboard Ibom Air Flight Q153 from Uyo to Lagos. Emmanson was reportedly asked to switch off her mobile phone before takeoff but refused, leading to a heated exchange with crew members. Upon landing, the disagreement escalated into a physical altercation, and she was forcibly removed from the aircraft. During the struggle, she was filmed in a compromising position, and the video was later circulated on social media without censorship.
Reacting on Instagram, Simi condemned the act, stating that while Emmanson may have been wrong to disobey flight rules, sharing an explicit video of her for “millions” to see was equally unacceptable and deserving of legal punishment.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo also criticised the leak, describing it as “totally unacceptable” and “degrading to womanhood.” He said while filming for evidence is allowed, making such footage public violates the passenger’s privacy. Keyamo ordered an investigation and directed that any staff found responsible face sanctions.
Civil society group NEFGAD has offered Emmanson free legal aid, arguing that her treatment was unfair. The group also called for the release of in-flight footage to provide full context of the incident and to determine if her actions were provoked.
The controversy has sparked nationwide debate on privacy rights, professional conduct, and the handling of unruly passengers in Nigeria’s aviation industry.