Public Interest Lawyer Files ₦500 Billion Legal Action Against FG, NCAA over Alleged Aviation Impunity
A civil lawsuit demanding ₦500 billion in damages has been filed by Ayodele Ademiluyi, a public interest lawyer, against the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and several aviation stakeholders.
The Case Unfolds
Filed under FHC/L/CS/1632/25 at the Federal High Court in Lagos, the suit names a host of respondents including:
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The President of Nigeria
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Attorney-General of the Federation
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Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo (SAN)
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NCAA
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Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
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Ibom Air and ValueJet
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King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (known as Kwam 1)
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Nigerian Correctional Service
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Nigerian Police Force
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The Governor and Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State
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The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON)
What Prompted the Lawsuit
Ademiluyi is pursuing the case in response to two highly publicized and contentious aviation incidents:
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The Emmanson case, where passenger Comfort Emmanson was forcibly removed from an Ibom Air flight in August 2025, then subjected to a lifetime flying ban and legal charges.
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The Kwam 1 incident, involving musician Kwam 1 reportedly trying to halt a ValueJet aircraft in Abuja, yet facing a notably lighter treatment.
Ademiluyi argues these cases represent a striking double standard Emmanson endured swift punitive action, while Kwam 1 was apparently rewarded with a brand ambassadorship despite allegedly more serious misconduct.
He warned that such inconsistent enforcement could turn Nigeria’s aviation sector into a “banana republic.
“This is about more than two individuals,” Ademiluyi stated. “This is about accountability and the rule of law in our aviation system. No one should be above the law regardless of their influence.
Highlighting systemic decay, Ademiluyi urged the judiciary to set a precedent that protects public interest, ensuring aviation safety and governance isn’t compromised by celebrity or political sway.
The case centers on whether justice is applied equitably across all individuals, regardless of status. It casts a spotlight on aviation enforcement mechanisms, potentially prompting reform. The outcome could shape public trust in both government institutions and the aviation regulatory framework.
