Passenger Sues Virgin Atlantic Over Lost Luggage, Alleged Breach of Contract
A security expert, Alhaji Ahmed Rabiu, has filed a lawsuit against Virgin Atlantic Airways at the Federal High Court in Lagos, accusing the airline of breach of contract following the loss of his luggage during a flight from London to Lagos on September 24, 2024.
Rabiu is seeking $4,000 for the value of items in the lost luggage, along with N20 million in damages for distress, inconvenience, and solicitor fees incurred while attempting to recover the luggage.
In his affidavit, Rabiu recounts his experience on flight No. CNY3JV from London Heathrow to Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. He claims that after passing through security checks and having his luggage tagged, he waited at the baggage carousel in Lagos until it was turned off. While other passengers received their luggage, his was nowhere to be found.
Rabiu reported the missing luggage to the airline’s staff and filled out a Loss of Baggage Form, but he states that the airline neither returned the luggage nor offered compensation. He accuses the airline of negligence or fraud by its operational staff, which resulted in the disappearance of his luggage.
He further claims that the airline’s failure to deliver his luggage after his flight is a serious breach of contract, especially considering the significant financial strain he endured to purchase the ticket. Rabiu also claims to have written to the airline’s legal team demanding the return of his luggage or compensation for its contents, but says that the airline has ignored his requests.
The luggage contained valuable items purchased in London, including clothing from Zara, Marks & Spencer, Diesel, Primark, Calvin Klein, Puma, and AC & Co, with a total value of over £4,000. Rabiu insists that the airline had full control over his luggage, and its loss has caused significant emotional distress and financial loss.
Virgin Atlantic has not yet responded to the lawsuit, and Justice Alexander Owoeye has scheduled the next hearing for February 10.
