The Management of United Nigeria Airline on Wednesday says it has suspended a female staff member for alleged unprofessional treatment of Ms. Doris Akonanya, an amputee passenger.

The airline, in a statement signed by Chibuike Uloka, its Public Relations Officer, on Wednesday, also said it had commenced investigation into the incident which happened on March 30.

Akonanya, an amputee, had lamented through a viral video that she received subhuman treatment while trying to catch a flight from Abuja to Yenegoa, Bayelsa State.

She said she arrived at the airport early and bought her ticket but was denied the assurance that she needed by a particular staff member who was supposed to process her boarding.

The passenger exonerated the Airline for the dehumanising treatment but demanded that the female staff member involved should be called to order.

The airline, however, condemned the incident and expressed unreserved apology to the lady and members of her family for the ugly incident.

The company said the action did not reflect the ethics, values and vision of the company, noting that the safety, dignity, and well-being of all passengers remained their priority.

“United Nigeria Airlines wishes to confirm receipt of an incident report involving a passenger with reduced mobility, Ms. Doris Akonanya, during the check-in process for Flight UN0526 from Abuja to Yenagoa on March 30.

“The report includes allegations of unprofessional conduct by a particular staff regarding her condition.

“The staff member involved has been suspended and a full investigation commenced,

“We are engaging all relevant parties to establish the facts and will take appropriate action in line with our policies of zero tolerance to any form of misconduct.

“We are particular about passengers with reduced mobility who require additional care and support,” he said.

The airline said it had been in direct contact with the passenger and her family, to whom it had extended apologies, and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

It said it operated a zero-tolerance policy for any form of misconduct, discrimination, or abuse, and is firmly committed to providing safe, respectful, and accessible travel for all.

“We will continue to strengthen our training, processes, and oversight to prevent a recurrence,” he said.

(NAN)

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered police officers in Lagos to pay for transportation when using commercial vehicles, warning against abuse of authority.

Jimoh spoke on Wednesday at Obalende Garage, Lagos State, during a sensitisation meeting with drivers and transport workers marking National Police Day 2026.

He stressed that relations between the police and the public must be based on partnership, not coercion, urging both sides to support each other voluntarily.

“No police officer has the right to enter your vehicle without paying. We should assist one another willingly, not by force,” he said.

Jimoh called for stronger cooperation to maintain safety and order on roads, insisting there was no conflict between officers and transport unions.

He said their relationship remained cordial and rooted in mutual respect, dismissing perceptions of persistent friction between both groups.

The AIG warned officers against extortion and misconduct, stressing zero tolerance for unprofessional behaviour within the force.

“I don’t collect money from officers. We don’t arrest people arbitrarily. If you have issues with any officer, report directly to me,” he said.

He urged the public to report harassment or misconduct, assuring that complaints would receive prompt attention and action.

Jimoh advised drivers to avoid confrontations with officers, urging them to channel grievances through proper authorities.

On safety, he warned against speeding, drunk driving, and substance abuse, describing them as major threats to lives on Nigerian roads.

“If you drink, do not drive. Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Faulty vehicles can expose you to danger if they break down,” he said.

He also cautioned against chemical stimulants, noting they impair judgement and increase accident risks.

Jimoh urged discipline, patience, and compliance with traffic rules, adding that personal well-being and stable homes improve performance.

He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to sustained engagement with transport unions to build trust, reduce conflict, and enhance nationwide road safety.

(NAN)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that it has removed the names of Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from its official portal.

The duo had been listed as the National Chairman and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following an interim leadership change in 2025.

The commission also said it would not recognise Nafiu Bala Gombe, who is seeking to be declared national chairman through the courts.

INEC announced on Wednesday that it would suspend recognition of all factions within the party and refrain from monitoring any conventions or congresses organised by groups aligned with the affected leaders.

The decision, it said, will remain in place pending the final determination of a substantive suit before the Federal High Court.

The development follows a leadership crisis within the ADC and a recent judgment of the Court of Appeal in Suit No. CA/ABJ/145/2026, which has further complicated the dispute.

In a statement, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the Commission remains committed to neutrality.

He urged political stakeholders to avoid actions that could disrupt preparations for the 2027 general elections.

INEC disclosed that it had received a letter dated March 16, 2026, from Suleiman Usman SAN & Co, warning against any recognition of Nafiu Bala Gombe as acting national chairman while legal proceedings are ongoing.

The Commission also confirmed receiving a separate “Demand for Enforcement” from Summit Law Chambers, representing Gombe, which called for the removal of Mark and Aregbesola from INEC’s records and urged the Commission to stop engaging with them or recognising any activities conducted under their authority.

The conflicting legal demands from the rival factions have deepened the party’s internal crisis, prompting INEC to halt all official dealings with the contending groups until the courts resolve the matter.