A public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and 11 others over what he calls a clear abuse of the rule of law in two recent aviation incidents.
The suit, numbered FHC/L/CS/1632/25 and filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos, seeks damages for what Ademiluyi describes as the authorities’ failure to act fairly in aviation-related infractions involving popular Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (known as Kwam 1) and a passenger, Ms Comfort Emmanson.
The respondents in the lawsuit include the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation, the 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.
Speaking at a press conference, Ademiluyi — who is also the convener of the Movement for Justice — said he took legal action to demand accountability and protect public interest.
“Our aviation system needs a complete overhauling. We cannot allow impunity to reign,” he declared.
Ademiluyi said the case goes beyond those involved and reveals deep problems in the aviation sector. He accused authorities of protecting Kwam 1 while being quick to punish Emmanson.
“It’s a gross imbalance. There was no arrest, no arraignment, no prosecution of Mr Kwam 1. In fact, he was rewarded with a brand ambassadorship. What message does that send to the public?” he said.
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The lawyer argued that it was wrong to appoint King Wasiu as a brand ambassador while allegations of misconduct around a flight incident were still unresolved.
“If someone can stop a plane with their bare hands and be appointed a brand ambassador, it sends the wrong signal,” he added.
He also criticised Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, accusing him of failing to enforce the law and instead defending one of the airlines. Ademiluyi said he wants the court to issue an order of mandamus directing the government and its agencies to properly investigate and prosecute those involved — especially King Wasiu.
“This is not about celebrity status or political connections — it’s about the sanctity of the rule of law,” he said.
Ademiluyi also faulted the Airline Operators of Nigeria for its handling of Ms Emmanson’s case, accusing it of acting as “complainant, prosecutor, and judge” when it imposed a life ban on her, a sanction it later withdrew.
“The central issue remains: Mr Kwam 1 is walking the streets free. That is a big slap on the rule of law,” he said, stressing that the legal action is for the greater good.
He called on the judiciary to use the opportunity to prove that no one is above the law.