HOUSTON – A Nigerian citizen alleges she and her children were removed from a flight because a white passenger reported that she was "pungent."
Queen Obioma, individually and as next friend of Sharon Abuoma Obioma, and Eden Akuamara Obioma filed a complaint on May 11 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against United Airlines Inc. alleging that the common carrier violated the Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, on March 4, 2016, Queen Obioma and her minor children were passengers aboard defendant's United Arline's Flight 404. She alleges she was ordered out of the aircraft because a "white man sitting around her in the business class cabin was not comfortable flying with her because she was 'pungent.'" The suit state states her children and luggage were removed from the flight and they were delayed for five additional hours for the next flight.
As a result of defendant's actions, the plaintiffs allege they missed all their scheduled appointments and had to reschedule and extend their stay, incurring additional expenses.
The plaintiffs hold United Airlines Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly intentionally discriminated against them and violated their rights by denying them equal treatment.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek actual, compensatory and punitive damages; with interest; costs and all other relief that are legal and equitable. They are represented by Nwadi Nwogu and Meka Odunze of Odunze Nwogu Law Group Law Group PC in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number 4:18-cv-01522