Ahmed Rabiu has sued Virgin Atlantic Airways for N20 million at a Federal High Court in Lagos on claims that the airline is yet to compensate him for his lost luggage.
In its defence, the airline argued that it was unable to trace the missing luggage due to Rabiu’s failure to provide sufficient details on the Property Irregularity Form given to him after he reported the loss. The airline also dismissed allegations of fraud, recklessness, and negligence, stating they were baseless.
Rabiu, responding to the airline’s Statement of Defence, insisted that his lawsuit is valid, as Virgin Atlantic has not denied that his luggage went missing while he was aboard their flight.
Rabiu, a security expert, took legal action against Virgin Atlantic over claims of breach of contract following the loss of his luggage on a London-to-Lagos flight on September 24, 2024.
He is seeking $4,000 as compensation for the value of the items in his missing luggage and an additional N20 million for distress, inconvenience, and legal fees.
In his affidavit, Rabiu stated that he boarded flight No. CNY3JV from London Heathrow to Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos after undergoing thorough security checks. His luggage was tagged and checked in by the airline’s staff.
However, upon arrival in Lagos, he waited at the baggage carousel until it was deactivated, only to realize that his luggage was missing while every other passenger had collected theirs.
He immediately reported the issue to the airline’s staff and was given a Loss of Baggage Form, which he promptly filled out. Despite this, he claimed the airline neither returned nor replaced his luggage, nor did it offer any compensation.
Rabiu further stated that after multiple unsuccessful attempts to recover his belongings, he instructed his lawyers to send a demand letter to Virgin Atlantic, requesting the return of the luggage or payment for its value.
He accused the airline of breaching its contract by failing to deliver his luggage despite the cost of purchasing a ticket for the flight. Rabiu described the airline’s defence as a delay tactic meant to evade responsibility.
Virgin Atlantic, in its response, maintained that Rabiu is not entitled to N20 million in damages and, in the event of any liability, compensation would be limited under the Montreal Convention 1999, which is part of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act 2023.
The case is set to be heard on March 7, 2025, by Justice Alexander Owoeye.