A Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday, ordered Emirates Airlines to pay $1.630 million to a businessman, Mr Orji Prince Ikem, being the amount contained in his hand luggage that went missing in the airline’s custody during a 2007 China trip.
Justice Muslim Hassan also ordered the airlines to pay Ikem N50million as damages for the “untold hardship and loss of earning” he suffered by the deprivation of use of his money from 2007 till date.
The judgment followed the plaintiff’s nearly 12 years battle to recover two hand luggage containing 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.
The court heard 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 Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, Emirates Airlines’ staff requested that he hand the luggage to them for safe keeping in the cockpit, but he refused and insisted on keeping them by himself. (Guardian)