Lawyer Sues FG, Aviation Authorities for N500bn Over Alleged Double Standards in Airline Incidents
Public interest lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi has sued the Federal Government and aviation bodies over alleged violations.
The ₦500 billion suit challenges unequal treatment in cases involving KWAM 1 and Comfort Emmanson.
Public interest advocate, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a ₦500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and several other respondents, accusing them of violating the rule of law in their handling of two aviation-related incidents involving music legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as KWAM 1) and another passenger, Comfort Emmanson.
The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1632/25, was lodged at the Federal High Court in Lagos. Those listed as respondents include the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN), NCAA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ibom Air, ValueJet, the Nigerian Correctional Service, King Wasiu Ayinde, the Nigerian Police Force, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Ademiluyi, who also serves as convener of the Movement for Justice and Secretary of the Radical Gender Movement, said the suit was filed to defend public interest and ensure accountability in the aviation sector.
He criticised what he described as unequal treatment in the two cases, claiming that while Emmanson was swiftly punished, KWAM 1 faced no legal consequences.
“Our aviation system needs a complete overhaul. We cannot allow impunity to reign or degenerate into a banana republic where someone can stop a plane with their bare hands and walk away without consequence,” he said.
Ademiluyi further faulted the government’s decision to reward the Fuji star with an aviation brand ambassadorship, calling it “a big slap on the rule of law.” He accused Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo of taking sides, adding that his legal team is seeking a mandamus order compelling authorities to act against those involved, particularly KWAM 1.
“This is not about celebrity status or political connections it’s about upholding the sanctity of the law,” he added.
The activist-lawyer also accused the Airline Operators of Nigeria of overstepping their role in handling Emmanson’s case. He urged the court to use the suit as a landmark decision to reinforce that no individual, regardless of influence or fame, is above accountability.