The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered British Airways to pay N53 million in compensation to a Nigerian passenger, Mr. Stephen Osho, after finding the airline guilty of breach of contract and negligence.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ibrahim Kala ruled that Osho endured undue hardship, inconvenience, and financial losses because of the airline’s failure to fulfill its obligations.

The compensation includes N50 million in damages and N3 million for litigation costs, covering legal fees, summons charges, and expenses incurred during the prolonged case. The court also considered the effect of naira depreciation in awarding the sum.

The case stemmed from an incident on December 2, 2022, when Osho’s checked baggage was not delivered on Flight BA307 from Paris to London.

British Airways, in its defence, argued that Osho was responsible for his own ordeal and even suggested that if damages were to be awarded, they should not exceed N60.

Justice Kala dismissed the airline’s claims as “baseless and inconsistent with evidence,” stressing that Osho had successfully proven his case of breach of contract under international carriage laws.

The ruling has been hailed as a victory for passengers’ rights and a stern warning to airlines to uphold their contractual obligations.