A public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a N500 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and several other parties over the handling of two aviation incidents involving musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) and passenger Comfort Emmanson. The suit, marked FHC/L/CS/1632/25, lists several respondents, including the President of Nigeria, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, NCAA, FAAN, Ibom Air, and ValueJet.
Ademiluyi emphasized that his action is essential for accountability and public interest, highlighting systemic decay in the aviation sector beyond just the individuals involved. He criticized the handling of the two incidents, claiming an imbalance in how each party was treated. According to him, while Emmanson faced immediate sanctions, Kwam 1 was not arrested, arraigned, or prosecuted. Instead, Kwam 1 was rewarded with a brand ambassadorship for the aviation sector, which Ademiluyi believes undermines the sector’s integrity.
The lawyer stressed that the aviation system needs a complete overhaul, stating, “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 accused Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo of acting unprofessionally by appearing to speak for one of the airlines instead of enforcing the law. Ademiluyi seeks an order of mandamus to compel authorities to take action against Kwam 1 and others allegedly involved.
The lawsuit aims to hold aviation stakeholders accountable and ensure that justice is served. Ademiluyi believes that the collective interest of the polity is at stake and that the case goes beyond the individuals involved. He urged the court to treat the case as a landmark opportunity to affirm that no individual, no matter how prominent, is above the law.
The lawsuit has sparked renewed conversations about passenger rights and accountability in the aviation sector. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to the allegations of impunity and selective justice. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of this lawsuit will have far-reaching implications for the aviation sector in Nigeria.
