Nigerian aviation authorities have grounded Arik Air’s aircraft due to a contentious $2.5 million debt.
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) announced on Tuesday that this action follows an enforcement order by the FCT High Court, concerning a $2.5 million debt Arik owes to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.
NAMA stated, “On July 19, 2024, the FCT High Court’s enforcement department executed an order related to a $2.5 million debt Arik Airline owes to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd by seizing their aircraft. Arik was also notified of a public auction of the planes, scheduled for July 26, 2024, if the debt remains unpaid. These notices were served to our agency and the Minister of Aviation.
“Records show that on March 8, 2016, Arik appealed the Lagos State High Court’s judgment against it to the Court of Appeal, which dismissed the appeal on September 30, 2021, with costs.
“Arik then sought leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, but on January 9, 2024, the Supreme Court, led by Justice Okoro, dismissed Arik’s application for leave to appeal.
“The judgment creditor registered the Lagos State High Court’s judgment with the FCT High Court. On June 26, 2024, Honorable Justice O. A. Adeniyi, in Court 8, Maitama, Abuja, ordered the attachment of all moveable properties belonging to the judgment debtor, including Arik’s aircraft with registration numbers B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-800/5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400, and 5N-BKX, to satisfy the judgment debt. Copies of the order and the certificate of judgment were also served to us and the Minister.”
