Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage

By: Michael Mike

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed July 2 for continuation of hearing in a suit filed by a passenger, Mr. Amechi Michael, against British Airways over alleged missing carry-on luggage.

At the resumed hearing, the plaintiff was cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr. John Godwin, who held the brief of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Folorunsho Majiyagbe.

During cross-examination, Amechi told the court that he reported the incident to the airline’s customer care service and was subsequently referred to the UK-based Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution for resolution.

According to him, the arbitrator issued an award in his favour regarding the delayed flight but did not address the issue of the allegedly missing carry-on luggage.

The plaintiff further informed the court that he rejected the arbitral award because he was dissatisfied with the outcome and thereafter approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking redress over the alleged loss of the luggage.

Amechi argued that the airline owed him a duty of care to return the luggage and alleged that members of the airline’s staff acted negligently after a cabin crew member reportedly requested that the bag be handed over for safekeeping during a delayed boarding process.

Counsel to the plaintiff, Ms. Abiola Olaitan and Mr. Shuaib O. Hammed of Parvina Partners, informed the court of their intention to close the plaintiff’s case.

Presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu, subsequently adjourned the matter until July 2 for the defence to open its case and continuation of trial.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025, seeks recovery of the plaintiff’s carry-on luggage allegedly lost while in the custody of the airline.

The case stems from an international trip during which the plaintiff alleged that his hand luggage was taken from him by airline personnel during a delayed boarding process with assurances that it would be kept safely and returned upon arrival.

However, according to court filings, the luggage was allegedly not returned after the flight, prompting repeated complaints to the airline and subsequent dispute resolution efforts.

The dispute later moved to the arbitration stage after the passenger was referred to the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution in the United Kingdom, a mechanism frequently used by international airlines to handle customer complaints outside the courtroom.

While the arbitration process reportedly awarded compensation connected to the delayed flight, the plaintiff maintained that the core issue relating to the missing carry-on luggage remained unresolved, leading to the present legal action before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The suit is one of several recent cases highlighting growing concerns among Nigerian air travellers over passenger rights, airline accountability and compensation claims involving delayed flights, lost baggage and customer care disputes within the international aviation sector.

Passenger Sues British Airways Over Alleged Missing Luggage

Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover catches of weapons, 10 motorcycles, rescue 32 kidnapped victims in Katsina offensive

By:Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade, in conjunction with members of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, have neutralised two terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped victims during an offensive operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the operation formed the second phase of sustained clearance missions targeting the criminal enclave of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Muhammadu Filani, whose activities have affected Musawa, Matazu and Kankia LGAs.

The sources disclosed that the troops advanced into the terrorists’ hideout on the outskirts of Dikawa village in Matazu LGA on May 8, where they came under fire from armed terrorists concealed behind rocky terrain.

According to the sources, troops responded with superior firepower, overpowering the criminals in a fierce gun battle that resulted in the neutralisation of two terrorists.

Items recovered from the scene included two AK-47 rifles, 15 AK-47 magazines with four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one iron butt of a general purpose machine gun (GPMG), an ammunition revolver chamber, and eight PKT links.

Troops also recovered one fabricated hand grenade, a magazine pouch, and 10 motorcycles used by the terrorists for mobility.

The sources added that troops successfully rescued 32 kidnapped victims from the enclave, comprising 10 women, nine men, and 13 children.

In addition, 26 livestock—14 cattle and 12 sheep—were recovered during the operation.

The operation reportedly recorded no casualty on the side of the troops, although a CSK EQ series armoured vehicle developed overheating and was quickly recovered and stabilised by a forward repair team.

Security authorities said all recovered items and rescued victims are currently in military custody pending handover to relevant local authorities.

Troops were also said to have destroyed identified terrorist logistics and life-support structures within the enclave as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the area.

Military sources added that clearance operations are still ongoing in the general area to track fleeing terrorists and deny them freedom of movement across affected communities.

Troops neutralise two terrorists, recover catches of weapons, 10 motorcycles, rescue 32 kidnapped victims in Katsina offensive

EXCLUSIVE: Army Troops Bust Illegal Arms Factory in Plateau, Arrest Five Suspected Berom Militia Members Aiding Attacks

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have uncovered illegal arms manufacturing sites in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State and arrested five suspected Berom militia members linked to the fabrication of weapons used in attacks across the state.

Security sources disclosed that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during a coordinated raid operation conducted by the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Headquarters OPEP at Vom community following weeks of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance.

According to the sources, the operation targeted two separate illegal arms manufacturing sites where the suspects were allegedly caught in the act of fabricating weapons for attacks and silent killings.

Items recovered during the raid included nine fabricated AK-47 rifles, one locally made pistol, four empty magazines, seven skeleton AK-47 rifles and 10 rifle butts.

Troops also recovered 36 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammunition, four revolver engines, 14 recoiling springs, six hand drilling machines, nine filing machines, four welding machines and other tools used for weapon fabrication.

“The operation followed extensive human intelligence activities aimed at identifying arms proliferation networks and illegal weapon manufacturing cells operating within Plateau communities,” a security source said.

The suspects and recovered weapons have been taken into custody at Headquarters OPEP for further investigation.

Security sources said ongoing covert operations were being intensified to track other illegal arms manufacturers and recover weapons proliferated across Plateau State.

The latest discovery comes amid renewed attacks and reprisals in parts of Plateau, particularly in Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bokkos Local Government Areas, where communities have witnessed recurring violence involving armed groups, militias and criminal elements.

“This one the third armed factory that have been discovered within three weeks,”said the sources.

Security assessments indicate that while attacks in Plateau are often attributed solely to suspected Fulani militias or bandits, several armed groups within local communities, including ethnic Berom militias, have also been implicated in series of attacks, reprisals, attack on mining sites, illegal possession of firearms and violent attacks.

The security sources noted that some militia elements within the Berom communities had been linked to attacks, counter-attacks and the circulation of illicit weapons, further complicating the security situation in the state.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have in recent weeks intensified raids, patrols and intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling armed networks and restoring stability across Plateau communities.