By Hobnob News
A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned until February 27, 2025, the hearing of a breach of contract lawsuit filed against Virgin Atlantic Airways by security expert Ahmed Rabiu. The case, initially scheduled for hearing yesterday, was postponed due to the absence of Justice Alexander Owoeye, who was attending an official function outside the state.
Rabiu is suing the airline over the alleged loss of his luggage on its London to Lagos flight on September 24, 2024. He is seeking $4,000 as compensation for the value of the missing items and N20 million in damages for distress, inconvenience, and legal fees incurred while attempting to recover his belongings.
In an affidavit supporting his claims, Rabiu stated that he boarded Virgin Atlantic flight No. CNY3JV from London Heathrow to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. He recounted that after the aircraft landed, he waited at the baggage claim area from the moment the conveyor belt was activated until it was switched off. Despite every other passenger retrieving their luggage, his bag remained missing.
According to the plaintiff, he immediately reported the incident to Virgin Atlantic’s ground staff and was instructed to complete a Loss of Baggage Form, which he submitted promptly. However, despite his complaints, the airline neither returned his luggage, replaced it, nor compensated him for its contents.
Rabiu expressed devastation over the incident, attributing the loss to the negligence or recklessness of the airline’s operational staff. He emphasized that his luggage, which contained newly purchased items from London, had been properly checked in, tagged, and transported on a flight that arrived in Lagos without incident.
The plaintiff further argued that Virgin Atlantic’s failure to deliver his luggage constituted a serious breach of contract, especially considering the significant financial strain he endured to purchase the airline’s ticket. Following the loss, his legal representatives sent a formal demand letter to the airline, requesting either the return of the luggage or reimbursement for its contents. However, Virgin Atlantic did not respond. A follow-up letter was also ignored.
Rabiu insists that he has suffered substantial economic losses and emotional distress due to the airline’s inaction. He urged the court to uphold his claims in the interest of justice.
“There was neither an accident nor an armed robbery incident on the flight from London-Heathrow to Lagos. There is no justifiable reason why my prime luggage, which was properly received and tagged, should go missing upon arrival,” Rabiu asserted.
With the case now set for February 27, 2025, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court as it determines whether Virgin Atlantic will be held accountable for the alleged breach of contract.
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