EVENTS

Sen Achonu sues British Airways, demands ₦200m for alleged contract violation

Published

5 months ago

October 30, 2024

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Sen. Athan Achonu, the Labour Party (LP) candidate in the recently concluded Imo governorship election, has sued British Airways, demanding ₦200 million in damages over an alleged contract breach.

Achonu, through his lawyer, Okwudili Anozie, filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/755/2024 beforeJustice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja. In the writ of summons dated May 29 and filed May 31, the politician sued British Airways as the sole defendant, wherein he sought five claims.

Achonu demanded a refund of the fare paid for the ticket purchased by him from the defendant for the Lagos-Houston return journey amounting to the sum of £16,505.00 (sixteen thousand five hundred and five pounds sterling).

He also prayed the court to order the airline to pay the sum of ₦200 million as general damages. He equally sought a 20% interest per annum on his claim number one above, from December 21, 2022, when the defendant cancelled his booking until judgment was delivered in the suit.

Achonu further sought a 10% interest per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is fully liquidated. He, therefore, sought compensation for the cost of the suit. In his statement of claim, Achonu, who described himself as a businessman, said he is a premium traveller with British Airways “and is a gold member of the defendant’s executive club.”

He said he purchased the airline’s first-class ticket for his trip to Houston through London for £16,505.00 (sixteen thousand, five hundred and five pounds sterling) for his return trip from Lagos-Houston.

“The ticket with booking reference number M7NORM outlined that the defendant’s flight would take off on 15 December 2022 from Lagos, arrive in London on 16 December 2022, take off from London on 21 December 2022 and arrive in Houston same day.

“For the return journey, the Houston – London trip was scheduled for 11 January 2023 and the London — Lagos trip was fixed for 11 January 2023.

“The plaintiff pleads and shall rely on a copy of his ticket.

“The plaintiff travelled from Lagos to London on the 15 December 2022 without any encumbrance.

“However, on reaching London, the plaintiff had a business engagement that necessitated extending his stay in London.

“Prior to the plaintiff’s departure date from London, he informed the defendant’s office of his intention to change his travelling date to Houston from 21/12/2022 to 22/12/2022 for which he was charged $563 (five hundred and sixty-three United States dollars).

“The plaintiff informed the defendant’s staff that he has an outstanding voucher with over $4000 that should be used to settle the sum but this request was refused by the defendant whose staff insisted that the defendant’s E-Voucher was unacceptable for the service and that the plaintiff has to make a fresh payment to effect the date change.”

According to him, the defendant’s staff vehemently refused for the $563 to be deducted from the plaintiff’s E-voucher number: 125-421 4295529 issued to him by the defendant. He said he decided to use the debit card attached to his company’s bank account since the airline refused the request that payment should be deducted from the E-voucher.

“But the same was refused by the defendant’s staff who insisted the plaintiff must use a bank card bearing his own name.

“The defendant’s staff had further informed the plaintiff that his ticket would be cancelled for failure to pay the $563 date change fee with his personal bank card and therefore the unused London-Houston journey, as well as the Houston-Lagos return journey stands forfeited.

“As a result of the defendant’s action, the plaintiff had to source funds to purchase an entirely new ticket with which he made his trip from London to Houston and back to Nigeria.

“The plaintiff, who is a first-class traveller and a gold member of the defendant’s executive club deserved a better treatment than what was meted out to him by the defendant,” Achonu said.

The businessman insisted that British Airways’ refusal to use the funds in the E-voucher it had issued to him or apply his company’s debit card to defray the cost of the date change did not align with the airline’s contract with him.

According to him, the defendant’s inordinate actions have foisted undue stress and financial loss on the plaintiff.

“The plaintiff is left with no other choice but to seek redress from this honourable court,” he added.

Upon resumed hearing in the suit, Gregory Ukpong, who appeared for Achonu, told the court that though the matter was fixed for mention, he had a little mix-up about service.

“In the circumstance, we will be asking for a further date,” Ukpong stated.

“You filed this matter on 25 May 2024. Today is 29 October 2024 and you are coming to talk about service,” Justice Ekwo asked him rhetorically.

The lawyer responded that they mobilised the bailiff for service but they just realised that there was a mix-up.

“You may not be as lucky as you are today next time as I might have to penalise you,” the judge said and adjourned the matter until February 19, 2025, for further mention.

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EVENTS

Olumba Olumba Obu Honored: Actors Guild of Nigeria Awards Spiritual Leader “King of Nollywood”

Published

7 hours ago

April 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

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In a gesture of appreciation for his humanitarian and spiritual contributions, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), led by Mr. Ofia Afuluagu Mbaka, has bestowed the prestigious “King of Nollywood” award on revered spiritual leader, Olumba Olumba Obu.

The ceremony took place at the leader’s sanctuary, where members of the AGN paid homage to Olumba Olumba Obu, acknowledging the profound impact of his selfless service on the Nigerian film industry. This award recognizes his dedication to humanitarian causes and spiritual guidance, which has positively influenced the lives of many in the entertainment industry.

The AGN’s recognition of Olumba Olumba Obu’s contributions highlights the importance of spiritual and humanitarian work in shaping the industry’s culture and values.

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NDLEA sets ablaze record 1.6M Kg of illegal drugs

Published

8 hours ago

April 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

NDLEA destroys illicit drugs

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12th April, 2025

In a landmark operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed an unprecedented 1.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, marking the largest single seizure and destruction in the agency’s history.

The drugs were seized across Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states and include a staggering array of narcotics, from 123 kilograms of cocaine to over 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis.

The public destruction, held on Saturday, 12th April 2025, at Ipara along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State, was witnessed by top government officials, traditional leaders, clergymen, security agencies, and international partners.

Among the drugs destroyed were 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol, and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Speaking at the event, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman and CEO of NDLEA, affirmed the agency’s unwavering resolve in eradicating the country’s drug crisis.

“The sheer volume of these seizures – approximately 1.6 million kilograms – underscores the monumental danger these substances pose to public health. Our duty is clear: to reduce these drugs to rubble, ensuring they no longer poison our communities,” Marwa stated.

He issued a stern warning to drug traffickers: “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will continue to remind them: times have changed.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to tackling this scourge, and we are prepared to hold accountable anyone who defies the law. In the past four years alone, 10,572 traffickers have been successfully prosecuted and convicted.”

The NDLEA also highlighted the importance of the transparent and forensic nature of the destruction process.

Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Director of Assets and Financial Investigation at the agency, explained that the destruction was carried out under court approval after all cases linked to the seized substances had been closed, with laboratory tests confirming the authenticity of the drugs.

“This is not just symbolic; it is a testament to our commitment to transparency and accountability in our fight against drug trafficking. The sheer scale of the drugs destroyed today reflects the continuing challenge we face,” Abdul added.

Marwa expressed gratitude for the support received from local and international partners, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA), the French and German police, and Nigerian institutions such as the Military, Customs, Police, and Civil Defence.

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He praised the collaborative spirit essential for fighting the drug epidemic.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), commended the NDLEA for its relentless efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they reach the streets.

He emphasized the importance of prevention through education, counseling, and youth empowerment programs, as well as strengthening rehabilitation centers for those battling addiction.

“This is not just a law enforcement issue; it is a social, economic, and public health crisis. We must invest in prevention and support for those affected by drug addiction,” Governor Abiodun remarked.

The massive destruction serves as a stark reminder of the NDLEA’s dedication to purging Nigeria of illicit drugs and sending a powerful message to traffickers: there is no safe haven for their operations.

EVENTS

Sanwo-Olu mourns death of former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu

Published

8 hours ago

April 12, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos

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Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, as a great loss to Nigeria.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, mourned the passing of Chukwu, saying the Captain of the Green Eagles, who won the African Nations Cup in 1980, was a legend.

The Governor described the death of the national icon who served as both player and coach to the national team as a painful loss to the nation, particularly to football lovers.

He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the Chukwu family, the Enugu State Government and the Nigerian football federation on the passing of the ex-player of Enugu Rangers.

Governor Sanwo-Olu said Chukwu, popularly known as ‘Chairman’, would be sorely missed. He therefore urged his family, friends, colleagues and football fans to take the death of the former coach of the Kenya national team as an act of God.

He said: “The death of Christian Chukwu is a painful loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a legend and national icon. He was one of the best Nigerian players and coaches in football history.

“He served Nigeria passionately as Captain of the national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980. He made history as the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup trophy after a 3–0 victory over Algeria in the final of the 1980 tournament.

“Christian Chukwu also coached the Super Eagles and later General Manager and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rangers International F.C., which he once played for. He was also a one-time coach of the Kenya national team.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed to God for eternal peace for the late Christian Chukwu and for Him to grant the family, friends and football fans the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.