….claims N35 billion damages
Isaac TersooAgber
Slok Air, one of Nigeria’s indigenous airlines, has dragged the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to Court claiming the sum of N35 billion as damages for unlawful revocation of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
It will be recalled that the Airline had acquired 13 Boeing 737-700 series aircrafts for scheduled and non-scheduled flights in Nigeria, had set up offices across the country and started operations in major airports, employing several pilots, air crew and ground staff before its licence was revoked.
In a statement, the airline claimed that the revocation was done in gross violation of due process, without justification, without notice and in utmost bad faith.It is also claiming for a declaration that the operating licence granted to it is still valid and subsisting.
The said case with No. FHC/ABJ/CS/49/2015, came up for mention on Wednesday, 19th November, 2015 before the Federal High Court No. 7, Abuja and was presided over by Justice A. R. Mohammed.
When the matter came up, the airline’s lawyer, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), leading AmobiNzelu and 10 other lawyers, informed the Court that the matter was fixed for hearing.
However, Counsel for the Ministry of Aviation, Chris Emi-Erabor and Counsel for the AGF, U. C. Okoli, pleaded with the Court that they each had a motion for extension of time to file their defence.The motions were not opposed by Uche, who however insisted that a clear date for hearing be taken, given the nature of the case.
Consequently, the Judge adjourned the case to January 14, 2016 for hearing.