By Adenike Lawal
Public interest lawyer Ayodele Ademiluyi has filed a ₦500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, aviation regulators, airlines, and other parties over alleged impunity and double standards in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The suit, lodged at the Federal High Court in Lagos (FHC/L/CS/1632/25), lists President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), the NCAA, FAAN, Ibom Air, ValueJet, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Governor and Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), and Fuji icon King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) among the respondents.
Ademiluyi said the case exposes “deep-rooted rot” in aviation administration.
He cited two incidents: the swift sanction of passenger Comfort Emmanson, initially handed a life ban by AON (later rescinded), and the alleged disruption of flight operations by Kwam 1, who faced no sanctions but was later appointed a brand ambassador.
“It is alarming that someone accused of obstructing a flight escaped consequences but was celebrated with an ambassadorship. What message does this send about accountability?” Ademiluyi asked.
The lawyer accused Minister Keyamo of acting as a “spokesperson” for airlines instead of enforcing the law.
He urged the court to compel a proper investigation and prosecution, especially in Kwam 1’s case, arguing that AON exceeded its powers by acting as “complainant, prosecutor, and judge” against Emmanson.
Ademiluyi stressed that the suit is not only about compensation but a symbolic demand to protect the rule of law.
“No individual, regardless of status, is above the law. Justice must not be selective,” he said.
