Alleged Discrimination: Dr. Okogwu Writes Dana Air, Demands N1Bn Damages, Unreserved Apology

*Gives A 7-Day Ultimatum Or Face Rigours Of Litigation

Dr. Chike Okogwu has written a letter of demand to Dana Air over the alleged discrimination meted out on him on 20th day of December, 2020 as a result of his disability.

Dana Air had allegedly prevented Dr. Chike from boarding a booked flight on the condition that he was in a wheelchair.

Meanwhile, he stated that it is an “unconscionable, unwarranted and unlawful infringement of his fundamental rights”.

This is contained in a letter dated 11th day of January, 2021 written by his Lawyer, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, addressed to the Dana Air Managing Director which was sighted by TheNigeriaLawyer.

It was stated that the policy preventing a passenger in a wheelchair from boarding a flight is discriminatory and violative of the 1999 Constitution, adding that “Dana Air failed to give a credible reason or expatiate on the discriminatory policy”.

The letter read, partly: “As a result of the conduct of Dana Air on 20th December 2020 our client went through the most harrowing and excruciating experience which worsened his already fragile health condition, leading to his admission in a hospital for treatment.

“We have the instructions of our client to demand the sum of One Billion Naira only as to damages for the violation of our client’s fundamental rights, unprofessional conduct of Dana Air which led to the worsening health condition of our client and an unreserved apology to be published in at least (3) three national newspapers having misrepresented the facts in the dailies.

“Take Notice that in the event of your failure to abide by these demands within 7 days, we shall set in motion the standing instructions of our client to commence legal action against your institution.”

TheNigeriaLawyer recalls that the Police had earlier arraigned Dr. Chike before the Area Court, grade one in Gwagalada, Abuja on the basis that he allegedly incited public disturbance, criminal trespass, and caused mischief contrary to sections 114, 342, and 327 of the Penal Code Law on 20th day of December 2020.