“They Told Me I Was Faking My Deafness” — Disability Advocate Cries Out Over Alleged Inhumane Treatment at Akanu Ibiam International Airport
A disability rights advocate and Executive Director of Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), Barrister Edeh Catherine Chinyere, has raised serious allegations of discrimination, humiliation, and rights violations against officials at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after she missed an Air Peace flight to Abuja under controversial circumstances.
The incident, which has sparked outrage among disability advocates and members of the public, highlights growing concerns about the treatment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) within Nigeria’s aviation sector and public institutions.
According to Catherine, what began as a routine trip from Enugu to Abuja quickly turned into a deeply traumatic experience that left her emotionally devastated.
Speaking shortly after the incident, the visibly distressed deaf advocate recounted how some airport officials allegedly questioned the authenticity of her disability, refused to communicate with her appropriately, and ultimately processed her boarding pass as though she had boarded the aircraft when, according to her account, she was still stranded at the airport.
“The most painful part was when one of the officials looked me in the face and said I was not deaf and that I was faking it,” she revealed.
“For someone who struggles daily with the realities of deafness, hearing such a statement was heartbreaking. It wasn’t just discrimination; it was an attack on my identity, dignity, and lived experience.”
Flight Departs Without Passenger
Catherine stated that she was booked on Air Peace’s 8:30 a.m. flight from Enugu to Abuja. However, she alleged that airport personnel failed to provide the necessary communication support required for a deaf passenger.
Rather than making efforts to bridge the communication gap, she claimed that one official refused to engage with her, confiscated her boarding pass, and later processed it as if she had successfully boarded the aircraft.
The discovery reportedly came only after the flight had departed.
“I was shocked when I later found out that my boarding pass had been processed as though I was already on board,” she said.
“This raises serious questions about accountability, passenger safety, and the treatment of persons with disabilities within our airports.”
The advocate immediately contacted her interpreter and notified the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Disability Commission, seeking urgent intervention.
Despite her frustration and emotional distress, she said she remained calm while awaiting official responses from relevant authorities.
“Never Mock a Pain You Have Never Experienced”
The incident has resonated strongly across the disability community, with many describing it as another example of the systemic barriers faced daily by persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the emotional impact of the encounter, Catherine said:
“Never mock a pain you have never experienced. People do not choose disability. Many of us already battle social exclusion, communication barriers, and stigma every day. To accuse someone of faking a disability is cruel and unacceptable.”
She noted that such treatment can have severe psychological consequences for persons with disabilities who are already navigating numerous social and economic challenges.
Pattern of Alleged Discrimination
What has further intensified public concern is Catherine’s claim that the incident was not isolated.
According to her, she has experienced several forms of discrimination at the airport over the years but often chose not to pursue formal complaints in order to avoid unnecessary stress.
However, she said the latest experience represented a tipping point.
“I have ignored many incidents in the past because I believed my peace of mind was more important. But there comes a point when silence becomes dangerous because it allows abuse to continue unchecked.”
She recounted previous incidents involving airport staff and security personnel where she allegedly faced hostility and disrespect despite being accompanied by interpreters and other professionals.
According to her, disability advocates, lawyers, and witnesses have on several occasions intervened after observing what she described as unfair treatment directed at her because of her deafness.
She cited interpreter Okoye Paul Ifeanyi, legal practitioner Barrister Florence Marcus, disability advocate Malam Haroun Muhammad, disability rights lawyer Akinola Ige, Barrister Samson Ayodeji, and Dr. Edward Ogenyi among individuals who have either witnessed or expressed concerns regarding accessibility and treatment issues affecting persons with disabilities at the airport.
Disability Community Raises Alarm
The allegations have reignited conversations about accessibility, inclusion, and disability rights within Nigeria’s transportation sector.
Advocates argue that while Nigeria has made significant progress through disability legislation and the establishment of disability commissions, implementation remains weak in many public institutions.
Communication barriers, inaccessible infrastructure, negative attitudes, and inadequate disability awareness training continue to create obstacles for persons with disabilities seeking to access public services.
For deaf passengers in particular, the absence of sign language support, accessible communication systems, and trained personnel can create dangerous situations, especially during boarding procedures, security checks, and emergency situations.
Call for Investigation and Reforms
Catherine has vowed to pursue the matter formally through petitions and advocacy channels, not only for herself but for the broader disability community.
“This is bigger than me,” she stated.
“I am taking this up because countless persons with disabilities have suffered similar experiences but remain silent. We must ensure that no one else is subjected to this kind of humiliation simply because they live with a disability.”
She called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), aviation regulators, disability commissions, human rights organizations, and relevant government agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations and implement measures to guarantee accessibility and respect for all passengers regardless of disability status.
Growing Demand for Inclusive Airports
As reactions continue to pour in from disability advocates, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens, many are demanding urgent reforms to ensure Nigerian airports become truly inclusive environments.
Stakeholders insist that disability inclusion should go beyond physical infrastructure to include staff training, effective communication systems, disability awareness, and strict accountability for discriminatory conduct.
For many advocates, Catherine’s experience serves as a painful reminder that despite legal protections and growing awareness, many persons with disabilities still face barriers that threaten their dignity and equal participation in society.
As calls for justice grow louder, one message continues to resonate across the disability community:
Disability is not a choice. Discrimination is.
And until institutions embrace inclusion as a fundamental human right, stories like this will continue to expose the painful realities faced by millions of Nigerians living with disabilities every day.
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