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Court adjourns hearing in cargo loss suit against shipping firm

By Francesca Hangeior
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has fixed April 9, 2025, for the definite hearing of a suit filed against Mediterranean Shipping Company Nigeria Limited over allegations of cargo loss.
Justice Friday Nkemakonam Ogazi fixed the date after counsel to the plaintiffs, Oluwole Awe, who held brief for Emmanuel Ekpenyong, withdrew their application for default judgment, while counsel for the defendants moved an application to regularise their statements of defence.
The judge adjourned the matter to April 9 and 10, 2025, for a hearing.
Five Star Logistics Limited, a terminal operator at Tin Can Island, Lagos, Nigeria, was also joined as the 2nd defendant in the writ of summons.
In the suit marked FHC/L/CS/1034/2024, filed on June 14, 2024, by human rights and constitutional lawyer Emmanuel Ekpenyong of Fred-Young & Evans LP, Cargomark Investments and Logistics Limited and Sunrise Estate Development Limited are listed as the 1st and 2nd plaintiffs, respectively.
The plaintiffs seek several declarations and orders, including: “That the 1st defendant, as the disclosed agent of Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., is personally liable for any acts, omissions, or defaults in delivering Container Number NONE0654928.
“That the 1st defendant is liable for failing to deliver the container containing steel security fences covered by Bill of Lading No. MEDUJ5050698.
“That the 2nd defendant, responsible for receiving the container at its terminal, failed in its obligation to ensure delivery to the plaintiffs.
“The plaintiffs also demand the sum of $84,287.90 (or its naira equivalent) as special and aggravated damages for the loss of the container.
“₦100 million in general damages for business reputation damage, increased operational costs, and breach of contract.
“10% post-judgment interest on the sum until final liquidation.”
In their joint statement of claim, the 1st plaintiff, a licensed forwarding and clearing agent, is the consignee, while the 2nd plaintiff, a real estate development company, is the notify party under the Bill of Lading.
The 1st plaintiff’s Operating Manager, Mr Amos Duru, in his statement on oath, explained that the container was shipped from Cape Town, South Africa, to Tin Can, Apapa, Lagos, arriving on June 19, 2023. Despite payments made for clearance, the container was not found after several months of searching.
The defendants denied the allegations in their separate statements of defence.
Counsel for Mediterranean Shipping Company, Emmanuel Achukwu, (SAN), argued that the company was not liable as the Bill of Lading contract was entered into by its principal, not the 1st defendant. He stated that the container was discharged and delivered to Five Star Logistics Limited.
Similarly, Five Star Logistics Limited, represented by Ame Ogie, denied responsibility for the cargo loss, arguing that no evidence was provided to prove the container was discharged into its custody.
The plaintiffs, in their replies, maintained that both defendants failed in their obligations under the Bill of Lading and should compensate them for the missing container.
Justice Ogazi has fixed April 9 and 10, 2025, for hearing.
News
World Malaria Day 2025: WADEM restates commitment to end malaria, sensitises Osun residents

As part of its activities for this year’s World Malaria Day, the Women and Development Movement (WADEM), has expressed its unwavering commitment to eradicating malaria from every environment.
The group reiterated its commitment on Friday in Osogbo the Osun State capital in commemoration of this year’s World Malaria Day, observed globally every April 25.
WADEM organises a symposium which witnesses health talks, free medical tests, and the distribution of antimalarial drugs to the attendees to support efforts by both government and non-governmental organizations aimed at combating the high malaria burden in sub-Saharan Africa.
While speaking, a health practitioner from WADEM, Mrs Owadara noted that this year’s World Malaria Day theme, “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” closely aligns with the group’s vision of making a tangible impact in the global fight against the disease.
She advised the general public against assumptions of any health symptoms and self meditation, noting that examination of individuals’ health at the hospital is the best way.
Owadara made it clear that, there is no one without malaria, the important thing is to take care of ourselves by visiting the hospital, imploring residents to visit the hospital for accurate diagnosis of treatment rather than relying on herbal concoction or self medication.
She also encouraged people to maintain a clean environment to prevent mosquito breeding, and eat balanced diets.
“As we all know today is world malaria day, which means, a disease that is caused by the biting of mosques. We shouldn’t allow drainage or storing of water around our vicinity because that is part of what gives us malaria, especially when female mosquitoes lay eggs in it.
“Malaria is widespread globally, the use of mosquito nets is highly advisable which is part of what prevents us from having malaria.
“Whenever we get to the hospital we should cooperate with the nurses to examine us.
“It is advisable to eat fruits, especially at dinner. We shouldn’t eat the same classes for food to complete three square meals. Importantly we should cultivate the habit of eating balanced diets,” Owadara concluded.
In their separate remarks, representatives of the Osun State University medical students, Adegbola Esther Jumoke among other stakeholders from Market women, hairdressers, tricycle and okada riders also acknowledged the efforts of WADEM in sensitising the public about the danger of malaria. They thanked the organisers for the free medical tests and drugs.
A short drama was organised by the media students to enlighten and educate the public about the hazards of self medication.
News
Osun 2026: Market associations endorse Adeleke’s second term

The Osun State Market Association on Friday declared its support for the incumbent Governor of the state, Senator Ademola Adeleke, to run for a second term in office.
While declaring their support for the governor at a ceremony held at Olonkoro City Hall, Osogbo, the state capital, the association—led by its leaders, Babaloja and Iyaloja from Osogbo and Olorunda Local Government Areas—stated that the governor deserved a second term due to his remarkable achievements in both human and physical development across the state.
Led by the Babaloja General, Chief David Ojo, the association commended the governor for his accomplishments in road construction, which have boosted commercial activities in the state.
According to him, Adeleke’s infrastructural development drive has improved access to markets, thereby enhancing trade and commercial activities in the state capital.
Represented by the Babaloja of Orisunbare Market, Adeoti Qamardeen, Ojo said the association rallied support for the governor to enable him to complete the good work he has started.
He affirmed, “Since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has demonstrated visionary leadership and an unrelenting commitment to the economic development of Osun State, particularly in the area of trade and commerce, which lies at the heart of our association’s interests.
Under his administration, several key road infrastructure projects have been initiated and completed, directly benefiting market accessibility, local transportation, and commercial activities.”
Responding on behalf of the governor, the Special Adviser on Market Affairs, Mrs. Eniola Omotosho, said the endorsement would further motivate the governor to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
While acknowledging the gesture from various market leaders and associations, Governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering on his five-point agenda with a focus on safeguarding the welfare of the people of Osun State.
News
Akpabio arrives Vatican ahead Pope’s funeral

The leader of Nigerian delegation to the Vatican city for the burial of Late Pope Francis, His Excellency, Distinguished Sen Godswill Obot Akpabio has arrived the Vatican city.
The Senate President wrote:
As the Leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the burial ceremony of Pope Francis, I paid tribute to our departed Pope, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian People at the Lying-in-State of Pope Francis, inside St Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
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