A Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the hearing of a suit against Mediterranean Shipping Company Nigeria Limited over cargo loss, with a new date set for April 9, 2025. The court also fixed April 10, 2025 for continued proceedings.
The case, marked FHC/L/CS/1034/2024, was filed by Cargomark Investments and Logistics Limited and Sunrise Estate Development Limited against Mediterranean Shipping Company and Five Star Logistics Limited. The plaintiffs claim the defendants failed to deliver a container containing steel security fences, which was shipped from Cape Town, South Africa, to Tin Can, Apapa, Lagos, in June 2023. Despite paying clearance fees, the container has not been found after several months.
The plaintiffs are seeking over $84,000 in damages, including general and special damages, as well as post-judgment interest. The defendants, however, deny the allegations, with Mediterranean Shipping Company arguing that it is not liable since the Bill of Lading was entered into by its principal. Five Star Logistics also denies responsibility, stating no evidence proves the container was discharged into their custody.
The judge, Justice Friday Nkemakonam Ogazi, adjourned the matter after the plaintiffs withdrew their application for a default judgment, while the defendants applied to regularize their statements of defense.