The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered British Airways to pay Nigerian passenger Stephen Osho a total of N53 million in damages following a lawsuit for breach of contract and unfair treatment.
Justice Kala ruled that Osho suffered undue hardship, inconvenience, and financial loss because British Airways failed to fulfill its obligations under the international contract of carriage.
The case stemmed from the airline’s failure to deliver Osho’s checked baggage on Flight BA307 from Paris to London on December 2, 2022.
In addition to the N50 million awarded as general damages, the court added N3 million for costs incurred during the action, covering expenses such as legal representation, summons fees, the duration of the case, and the devaluation of the Nigerian naira.
During the trial, British Airways argued that Osho was responsible for his own predicament and contested the compensation claim. However, the court dismissed the airline’s defense as untenable based on the evidence presented.
This ruling sets an important precedent for consumer protection and accountability in air travel, emphasizing that airlines must honor their contractual duties and treat passengers fairly.
