A Nigerian family has demanded $1 million in damages and compensation from Kenya Airways Limited, alleging the airline ruined their Christmas trip by refusing to allow their minor daughter to board a connecting flight.
The family, represented by Donald Ibebuike of the Creed & Brooks Partners law firm, issued a letter to the airline on December 21, 2024, detailing claims of financial losses and emotional distress caused by the incident.
Allegations Against Kenya Airways
According to the letter addressed to the airline’s Managing Director in Lagos and copied to its Nairobi office, the family had purchased round-trip tickets through Wakanow.com on August 31, 2024.
They planned to travel from Lagos to London via Nairobi on December 16, 2024, with a return scheduled for January 5, 2025.
The family’s lawyer alleged that their travel documents, including those of the minor, Gabriella Ikhianosimeh Akhanemeh, were processed and accepted by Kenya Airways in Lagos, and they were issued boarding passes for the entire journey.
However, upon arriving in Nairobi for a connecting flight to London Heathrow, the airline allegedly barred the minor from boarding due to “clerical errors” in her travel documents.
The lawyer explained that the UK Border Agency had mistakenly referenced incorrect passport numbers for the minor’s accompanying parents, though their names were correctly stated.
Despite this, Kenya Airways allegedly refused to proceed with the child’s travel.
Emotional and Financial Distress
In an effort to care for his daughter’s emotional well-being, Gabriella’s father, Mr. Akhanememeh Joseph Osikhena, reportedly discontinued his journey, while his wife and their other two children continued to London.
Kenya Airways allegedly advised the father and daughter to return to Lagos at an additional cost of over $4,000.
The family’s lawyer described the airline’s actions as “infamous and ill-conceived,” exposing the duo to trauma and unplanned expenses in Nairobi.
Demands and Legal Action
The family’s legal counsel has demanded that Kenya Airways either complete the father and daughter’s journey to London or return them to Lagos at no cost.
In addition, they are seeking $1 million in damages for the disruption and psychological distress caused to the family.
“Take notice that, owing to this and other associated reasons, our client has instructed us to demand… immediate reparation,” the letter reads.
The law firm has given the airline seven days to comply with the demands, emphasizing that justice must be served.
Broader Issues with Airline Operations
The case highlights ongoing concerns over airline operations in Nigeria, where flight cancellations, delays, and operational errors frequently result in legal disputes.
For example, a Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered Qatar Airways to refund $3,000 and pay N4.8 million in damages to an ex-lawmaker for a canceled business class flight to the United States.
Additionally, regional blocs like ECOWAS have approved increased compensation rates for passengers affected by flight disruptions across member states.
9News Nigeria reports that Kenya Airways has not released any official statement.
