Emirates Airlines have been ordered to pay a passenger, Mr. Orji Prince Ikem $1.63 million for the loss of his luggage which went missing during a flight to China in 2007.
The bag, which is reported to have contained the mentioned sum of cash in money, was misplaced 12 years in the past on a visit to China.
On top of replacing the money, Emirates has been fined 50 million Nigerian Naira in damages, which equates to around $131,000.
The judgment followed the plaintiffโs nearly 12 years battle to recover two hand luggage containing his personal effects and $700,000, as well as $930,000 in 18 bundles of $50,000 wraps each and $30,000 cash not in wrap.
Ikem also told the court that the $930,000 belonged to another businessman, Olisaemeka Ugwunze, who wanted it delivered in China for purchases.
The plaintiff told the court through his counsel, Chris Ekemezie, that at the departure lounge of the Airport, Emirates Airlines staff requested that he handed the luggage to them for safe keeping in the cockpit, but he refused and insisted on keeping them himself.
After a prolonged argument and in order not to miss his flight, he yielded and handed over the two hand carry-on bags to them.
That was the last time he saw the bags and the money. On his arrival in Guangzhou, the airline could not account for his four luggage.
Ruling on the plaintiffโs prayers for the return of his $1.63 million and N100 million general damages, Justice Hassan observed that the airline, through its counsel, Awah Kalu failed to refute Ikemโs claims.
โI have read all the processes filed by both parties as well as their agreements and resolved that the only issue for determination is whether the plaintiff is entitled to the reliefs sought before this court.”
โA claim not controverted is deemed admitted, in this case the defendants did not call witness but rather rests its case on that of the plaintiff which means that all that the plaintiff claimed and their pleadings are admitted.”
โI hold that Emirate Airlines failed in its obligations to customer by not delivering the luggage containing the sum of $1.63 million.”
โOn the whole, I hereby make the following orders; An order that Emirates Airlines pay the plaintiff the sum of $1.63 million; an order that the defendant pay the sum of N50 million to the defendant as damages.”
โParties shall bear their own respective costs,โ the Judge ruled.