Former owners of Nigeria's Arik Air have filled a N20 billion suit against the Federal Government of Nigeria and Ethiopian Airlines over alleged negotiations to take over the airline, reports the Vanguard.

According to the report, the suit was instituted by the airline at the Federal High Court, Lagos against Ethiopian Airlines, the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Attorney General of the Federation.

A copy of the suit which was filed on Sept.6 by Arik Air’s counsel, Mr Babajide Koku (SAN), Mr Chukwuemeka Nwigwe and Mrs Ezinne Emedom, was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

In its statement of claim supported by a 20 paragraph affidavit deposed to by Mr Chris Ndulue, a Director with Arik Air, the plaintiff asked the court to restrain the first and second defendants from further negotiations on its takeover.

The plaintiff noted that the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) had taken over the airline on February which was challenged by its management via two suits already pending before the Federal High Court, Lagos.

AMCON had on February 9, 2017 taken over the management of Arik Air over mounting debts which according to it (AMCON) was more than N300 billion.