A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the Federal Government and Ethiopian Airlines from proceeding with the establishment of a proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air Limited.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa gave the order on Tuesday November 15, 2022, following Thursday, November 10, 2022, motion ex parte in suit FHC/L/CS/2159/2022 filed by The Registered Trustees of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and five others in the aviation industry.
The four other plaintiffs are: Azman Air Services Limited, Air Peace Limited, Max Air Limited, United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited and Topbrass Aviation Limited are the first to sixth plaintiffs.
The first to fourth defendants are Nigeria Air Limited, Ethiopian Airlines, Sen. Hadi Sirika (Minister of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Aviation) and the Attorney-General of the Federation.
Lewis-Allagoa said in his judgment that, “An order of Interim Injunction is granted restraining the defendants either by themselves, agents, privies, Principals or any other persons whosoever from executing the proposed or draft NATIONAL CARRIER ESTABLISHMENT AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE Federal Government of Nigeria (represented by the 3rd and 4th Defendants) and strategic equity partner (the 2nd Defendant) or giving effect to and or suspending the sale and transfer of the shares & operations of the 1st Defendant by the 2nd Defendant pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.
“An Order of Maintenance of Status Quo by all parties in this suit from taking any further step(s) in relation to the subject matter of this suit pending the determination of the Motion on Notice is granted.
“An order of accelerated hearing of this suit is granted.”
