PRESS STATEMENT
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria – Lagos Branch
Date: 11th August 2025
AWLA Condemns the Dehumanizing Treatment of a Female Passenger by Ibom Air Crew and Airport Security Officials
The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Nigeria – Lagos Branch, under the leadership of Adesola Bello, expresses deep shock and outrage at the disturbing incident involving a female passenger who was forcefully removed from an Ibom Air aircraft following an argument with a crew member, during which she was allegedly stripped naked in the process.
Such conduct is utterly unacceptable, degrading, and in clear violation of the dignity and fundamental human rights of the victim, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and various international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
We strongly condemn not only the unprofessional and inhumane actions of the airline crew, but also the complicity of airport security officials whose duty is to protect and ensure the safety of passengers, not to participate in or permit acts of humiliation.
This incident underscores the urgent need for:
1.A thorough, independent investigation into the matter by relevant authorities, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
2.Immediate suspension and sanction of all crew members and security officials involved pending the outcome of the investigation.
3.Comprehensive training and retraining of airline and airport personnel on passengers’ rights, conflict de-escalation, and gender sensitivity.
4.Adequate compensation and public apology to the victim for the psychological trauma, physical exposure, and reputational harm suffered.
The African Women Lawyers Association stands firmly against any form of violence, humiliation, or abuse targeted at women and girls. We will continue to advocate for the protection of women’s rights, demand accountability from institutions, and ensure that incidents like this are met with swift justice.
We call on all stakeholders in the aviation industry to treat passengers with respect and humanity at all times, regardless of any disagreements or operational challenges.
Signed:
Adesola Bello
Coordinator,
African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) Nigeria – Lagos Branch
