Court upholds FCCPC power to investigate Air Peace refund complaints
The Federal High Court dismissed the airline's attempt to block summons issued after passenger complaints about cancelled flights and unpaid refunds.
The Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a suit by Air Peace seeking to stop the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission from investigating passenger complaints over cancelled flights and unrefunded fares.
Justice James Omotosho held that the FCCPC may receive complaints, assess them, issue summons and conduct lawful investigations under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. The ruling did not decide the underlying refund complaints on their merits.
Investigation is not a finding of liability
The distinction is important for both consumers and the airline. The judgment confirmed the regulator's process and jurisdiction; it did not declare that every complaint was proven or prescribe compensation in each case.
For the wider aviation market, the decision clarifies that sector regulation does not displace general consumer-protection oversight. Airlines remain entitled to answer allegations, while passengers retain a channel for complaints that are not resolved directly.
Sources
Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, “Ticket Refund: FCCPC Floors Air Peace” (20 April 2026); Premium Times court report (20 April 2026).
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Amaka Obi
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Amaka Obi writes for BusinessPress.
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