AWLA Demands Justice After Female Passenger Allegedly Stripped by Ibom Air Crew

The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria – Lagos Branch, has condemned what it described as the “dehumanizing” treatment of a female passenger who was allegedly stripped naked and forcefully removed from an Ibom Air aircraft after a disagreement with a crew member.

According to the association, the incident — which reportedly involved both airline staff and airport security officials — is a gross violation of the victim’s dignity and fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

“The actions of the airline crew were unprofessional and inhumane, and the complicity of airport security officials, whose duty is to protect passengers, is unacceptable,” said Adesola Bello, Coordinator of AWLA Lagos Branch, in a statement.

The group is demanding An independent investigation by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

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Suspension and sanction of all crew and security officials involved, pending investigation.

Training for airline and airport staff on passenger rights, conflict resolution, and gender sensitivity.

Compensation and a public apology to the victim for psychological trauma and reputational harm.

AWLA reiterated its commitment to fighting all forms of abuse and humiliation against women and called on stakeholders in the aviation sector to ensure passengers are treated with respect at all times.

Ibom Air and the relevant airport authorities have yet to issue an official response to the allegations.