Olisa Agbakoba (SAN)
Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) has concluded arrangement to sue the management of Dana Air for N1billion on behalf of families of victims of the Dana Air plane crash.
Agbakoba yesterday, at a news conference in Lagos, said his chambers, Falana and Falana and Hurilaws would help the bereaved families.
Justifying the need for the suit, which he said would take the form of a class action in order to accelerate the course of justice, the former NBA president said: “The intended class action should set the legal standards for the settlement of claims arising from air crashes and hold violators accountable.”
He added: “We have sent a letter to Dana Air holding them liable for what has happened because according to the law, Dana should immediately after 30 days of the accident pay $30, 000 without proof of liability. The Montreal convention of 1999 also recommends a further payment of $70, 000, making a total of $100, 000. However, if it is established that there was criminal negligence on the part of the airline, families can sue for more damages.”
Agbakoba said the suit should teach airlines not to treat safety with kid gloves.
While calling for a complete overhaul of the aviation sub-sector, Agbakoba proposed a new Air Industry Bill in the mode of the Petroleum Industry Bill, which he said would ultimately “set out laws aimed at strengthening regulators as well as address the issue of national carrier and operations.”
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