Following a court order regarding a $2.5 million debt owed to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has grounded Arik Airline aircraft.
In a statement by NAMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Musa, it was revealed that the grounding was a result of an enforcement action by the Federal Capital Territory High Court on July 19, 2024. The court ordered the attachment of Arik’s planes to secure the debt.
“On the 19th day of July 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an Order made by the Court regarding a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Airline to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd. by attaching their aircraft,” NAMA stated.
The court also issued a notice of Public Auction for the planes scheduled for July 26, 2024, if the judgment debt remained unpaid.
The legal battle traces back to March 8, 2016, when the Lagos State High Court ruled against Arik Airline. Despite multiple appeals, the Supreme Court upheld the decision on January 9, 2024.
Justice O. A. Adeniyi ordered the attachment of Arik’s movable properties, including aircraft, on June 26, 2024, after the Judgment Creditor registered the judgment in the FCT High Court.
Although Arik Airline obtained an ex-parte order to halt further execution, NAMA proceeded to ground the aircraft to maintain the integrity of the dispute.
NAMA emphasized the importance of complying with the Supreme Court order and urged both parties to resolve the matter swiftly to allow the grounded Arik aircraft to resume operations.
Consequently, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria announced measures to assist affected passengers due to the grounding of Arik Airline.
FAAN recognized the situation and instructed all airport managers to aid affected passengers as Arik Airline navigates rebooking and transferring them to alternative flights.