Public interest lawyer and activist, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has filed a landmark N500 billion lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Lagos against the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and several others over alleged regulatory failures and discriminatory handling of two controversial aviation incidents.
The suit, registered as FHC/L/CS/1632/25, names high-profile respondents including President Bola Tinubu, Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, FAAN, Ibom Air, ValueJet, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (popularly known as K1), the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Correctional Service, and the Governor and Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, among others.
At a press briefing in Lagos, Ademiluyi, who also serves as convener of the Movement for Justice and Secretary of the Radical Gender Movement, described the suit as a public interest action aimed at restoring accountability and upholding the rule of law in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This case is about institutional failure and the need to reform a broken aviation regulatory system,” he said. “We must not allow impunity to thrive in a democratic society. The rule of law must apply equally to all.”
Ademiluyi referenced two incidents involving musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1) and passenger Ms. Comfort Emmanson, alleging biased and unequal treatment by aviation authorities. While Emmanson was reportedly issued a now-withdrawn lifetime flight ban by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), K1 allegedly faced no legal consequences after being accused of disrupting a flight — and was later appointed as a brand ambassador for the aviation sector.
“It is an affront to justice that someone accused of stopping a flight was not arrested or prosecuted, but instead rewarded with a government-backed role,” Ademiluyi stated. “That sends a dangerous message to the public.”
He further accused Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo of overstepping his role by publicly defending an airline involved in the controversy rather than enforcing regulatory standards.
“We are seeking an order of mandamus to compel regulatory and prosecuting bodies to act—especially in the case of Mr. K1,” he added.
Ademiluyi argued that the lawsuit goes beyond individual cases, aiming to challenge what he sees as systemic impunity in Nigeria’s aviation oversight.
“It’s not about celebrity or status. It’s about justice, fairness, and restoring confidence in public institutions,” he said. “The judiciary must seize this opportunity to show that no one is above the law.”
The case is set to test not only the regulatory strength of Nigeria’s aviation sector but also the broader commitment of public institutions to accountability and equal treatment under the law.
Post a Comment