Man’s N326K refund stuck between Arik Airline, First Bank

A Lagos resident, Abraham Oresanya, has reported that N326,000 paid for two Lagos-Abuja tickets has been stuck between Arik Air and First Bank since June 18. Despite making the payment via Paystack, Oresanya did not receive the tickets.

Oresanya explained that he paid for the tickets and received a PNR number, but no tickets were issued because the PNR number had expired. Arik Air advised him to request a cashback from his bank.

However, First Bank staff told him to seek a refund from Arik Air, claiming the transaction was successful on their end.

Frustrated, Oresanya lodged another complaint with Arik Air through their website. The airline responded by reiterating that he should seek a refund from his bank.

FIJ contacted Arik Air, who stated that chargebacks must be logged by the bank, regardless of the transaction status. They advised Oresanya to fill out a dispense error form at his bank to log the claim against Arik Air.

On Wednesday, Oresanya visited First Bank again, where he was told to write a letter as the bank had no platform to report such issues. The bank manager said they would seek guidance from the head office, but Oresanya believes Arik Air is stalling.

“I am tired of the back and forth. I really need my money,” he lamented.

No official resolution has been reached as of the time of reporting.