On April 6, 2026, a Nigerian lawyer and aviation advocate, Dr Sheriff Adesanya, initiated a legal challenge against Air Peace Limited at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The lawsuit contests the airline's "seat-only" upgrade policy, which purportedly grants premium seating but with limited services, without prior disclosure to passengers. The case raises broader concerns over transparency and consumer protection in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The plaintiff alleges that he paid for a business-class upgrade on a London–Lagos flight but was served economy meals and received economy-level service despite being seated in the upgraded cabin. The lawsuit asserts that this practice, if true, constitutes misrepresentation and unfair conduct under existing regulations, including the Civil Aviation Act 2022 and Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
Legal Proceedings and Contentions
The case, numbered FHC/L/CS/364/2026 and before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, involves claims that Air Peace's conduct violates passenger rights, especially regarding the disclosures of upgrade limitations. Adesanya has requested declarations that the airline's policy is unlawful, as well as refunds and damages. The airline's counsel has filed a preliminary objection, claiming that the dispute involves complex factual issues that require oral evidence, thus making it unsuitable for determination via originating summons. The lawyer representing himself contends that the facts are unchallenged, and the core issue is a legal question about the lawfulness of selling restricted upgrades without adequate disclosure. The court is expected to resolve the preliminary objection before proceeding further.
This case highlights ongoing debates regarding airline transparency and passenger protection, especially in relation to upgrade policies and customer rights, in Nigeria’s evolving legal framework for civil aviation.
