A Federal High Court in Lagos has set April 1 for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Nigerian engineer Alhaji Yekeen Idowu against KLM Royal Dutch Airlines over alleged negligence and property loss.
Justice Musa Kakaki fixed the date on Monday after both parties appeared in court. Idowu is seeking compensation for travel disruptions he claims caused him financial and emotional distress.
At the hearing, Barrister Enitan Afolabi represented Idowu, while Barrister Fidelis Okeke and Cynthia Adepoju appeared for KLM. Kitoye Pamela Akinwale also represented the airline.
KLM’s legal team said the session was meant for its defense, but Idowu’s lawyer objected, arguing the case should restart since it was previously handled by another judge who was transferred. Justice Kakaki agreed and ordered a fresh hearing on April 1.
Idowu’s Complaint
Idowu is demanding €700, N1.2 million, and N45 million in compensation.
He claims that during his return from Frankfurt, Germany, on July 14, 2018, KLM changed his route from Stuttgart-Amsterdam-Lagos to Stuttgart-Paris-Casablanca-Lagos, causing major delays and inconvenience.
His allegations include:
A flight delay from Stuttgart to Paris, which KLM compensated with €600.
Being stranded in Casablanca for over 24 hours, making his total delay 48 hours.
Facing stress, lack of communication with his family, and harassment from Moroccan immigration officials.
Having to buy a new ticket for €700 to return to Nigeria.
KLM ignoring multiple complaints and failing to address his concerns.
KLM’s Defense
KLM denies wrongdoing, arguing that:
The Stuttgart-Paris flight was only delayed until 3:15 p.m., and Idowu was compensated.
The Paris-Casablanca delay was due to air traffic control issues beyond KLM’s control.
He could have rebooked a free flight through Air France or Royal Air Maroc but didn’t.
No transit visa was needed to access airline counters in Casablanca.
KLM already compensated him with N252,131 (€600) and offered €400 in travel vouchers.
The airline insists his additional claims are baseless.
What’s Next?
The court will decide on April 1 whether Idowu deserves further compensation or if KLM’s defense is valid.
