ARIK SHAREHOLDERS DEMAND ANSWERS OVER AIRCRAFT DISMANTLING

Shareholders of Arik Air have demanded explanations from the airline’s Receiver Manager, Oluseye Opasanya, over the ongoing dismantling of a Boeing 737-700 aircraft at the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

In a letter dated August 17, 2026, a major shareholder, Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide, asked the receiver manager to clarify the aircraft’s identity, ownership, security status, and the legal authority behind its dismantling.

The shareholders also questioned whether the aircraft or its components were connected to alleged indebtedness owed by Arik Air to Access Bank. They said they had previously requested documents supporting claims that the bank held security over some of the airline’s aircraft and engines but had not received satisfactory documentation.

The shareholders said the development raises concerns about the preservation and management of Arik’s assets while the airline remains under receivership by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

However, Arik’s media consultant, Simon Tumba, said the aircraft was sold after the necessary legal procedures were completed and that Access Bank had valid security over it.

The controversy adds to ongoing legal and financial disputes surrounding Arik Air’s assets and receivership.