A Federal Capital Territory High Court has stepped in to prevent the potential sale of a commercial aircraft at the center of a financial dispute. The court in Bwari, Abuja, issued a decisive interim order on Friday, December 5, 2025.
Court Order Grounds Aircraft Sale
Justice M. A. Madugu granted the restraining order following an ex parte application presented by the claimant, Reekers Engineering and Construction Limited. The legal action, filed under suit number FCT/HC/BW/CV/391/2025, targets several parties involved with the aircraft.
The order specifically restrains Galactic Aviation Limited, Mr Abdullahi Ahmed, and NG Eagle Airline Limited from selling or offering for sale the Embraer EMB-145LR aircraft with registration 5N-BZM. The court identified the plane by its Manufacturer Serial Number 14500842 and engine serial numbers ESN 25606 and ESN 25831.
Show Cause Order and Alleged Payment Default
In a significant move, Justice Madugu also directed the defendants to show cause within seven days why the key requests in the claimant's motion should not be granted. This order compels the respondents to present their legal arguments against the injunction.
The court's decision hinges on the claimant's allegation that the first and second defendants have not fully paid for the aircraft. This claim forms the core of the dispute that prompted Reekers Engineering, represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mr Azeez Taiwo Hassan, to seek urgent judicial intervention.
Parties Involved and Next Hearing Date
The lawsuit names four respondents in total:
- Galactic Aviation Limited (1st Defendant)
- Mr Abdullahi Ahmed (2nd Defendant)
- NG Eagle Airline Limited (3rd Defendant)
- The Honourable Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development (4th Respondent)
Following the interim ruling, Justice Madugu has adjourned the case for further hearing. The matter is scheduled to resume on December 16, 2026, giving the parties time to prepare their full arguments.
This legal development freezes any immediate plans to dispose of the aircraft, securing the asset until the court can fully examine the contractual and payment disputes between the engineering firm and the aviation companies. The case highlights the judicial system's role in resolving complex commercial disputes within Nigeria's aviation sector.
