Nigerian passenger sues British Airways over alleged missing baggage

The Federal High Court in Abuja has set July 2 for the continuation of hearing in a suit brought by a passenger, Mr Amechi Michael, against British Airways⁠ over the alleged disappearance of hand luggage.

At the resumption of hearing of the matter, the complainant, Mr. Amechi Michael, was cross-examined by the defense lawyer, Mr. John Godwin, the memory holder of Folorunsho Majiyagbe (SAN).

During cross-examination the plaintiff told the court that he reported the incident to the airline’s customer service department.

It said it was subsequently referred to the UK-based Center for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) for resolution.

He also told the court that the arbitrator made an award in his favor regarding the flight delay but did not address the issue of the lost hand luggage.

Amechi said because he was dissatisfied with the arbitral decision, he rejected the award and approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking compensation for the alleged loss of baggage.

He argued that British Airways owed him a duty of care in returning the bags and claimed that airline staff acted negligently.

The plaintiff’s lawyers, Ms. Abiola Olaitan and Shuaib O. Hammed of Parvina Partners subsequently informed the court of her intention to dismiss her client’s case.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu subsequently adjourned the matter to July 2 for defense and continuation of trial.

The plaintiff brought the case marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1293/2025 against British Airways, seeking recovery of his hand luggage allegedly lost during a delayed boarding procedure.

He said this came after a cabin crew member requested that he be handed over for safekeeping.