Public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a ₦500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ibom Air, ValueJet, and several others, over what he described as “aviation impunity” in handling two controversial incidents involving popular musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) and passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson.
The case, filed at the Federal High Court, Lagos (Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1632/25), also lists the President, Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria as respondents.
At a press conference, Ademiluyi, who also convenes the Movement for Justice, said the suit seeks to protect the rule of law and hold authorities accountable for what he described as “a glaring imbalance” in the treatment of both parties.
He argued that while Ms. Emmanson faced immediate sanctions, including a life ban (later withdrawn), Kwam 1 allegedly faced no legal consequences despite serious allegations against him and was instead rewarded with an aviation brand ambassadorship.
“Our aviation system needs urgent reform. It sends the wrong message when someone can disrupt a flight and still be honoured, while another is sanctioned without due process,” Ademiluyi said.
The lawyer also criticised Minister Festus Keyamo’s handling of the matter, accusing him of acting in favour of one airline rather than upholding the law. He called on the judiciary to set a precedent that “no one, regardless of status, is above the law.”
