Lawyer Slams FG, Demands ₦500bn Over ‘Aviation Impunity’ in KWAM 1, Emmanson Airport Fracas
By Ekanem Asuquo
Public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has dragged the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and 11 others before the Federal High Court in Lagos, demanding ₦500 billion in damages over what he described as “aviation impunity” in the handling of two controversial airport incidents involving Fuji music icon, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), and passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson.
The suit, filed under number FHC/L/CS/1632/25, lists as respondents: the President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo (SAN), NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ibom Air, ValueJet, Nigerian Correctional Service, KWAM 1, the Nigerian Police Force, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, the state’s Attorney-General, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
Addressing journalists in Lagos, Ademiluyi, who is the convener of the Movement for Justice and Secretary of the Radical Gender Movement, said the action was necessary to enforce accountability and protect public interest, stressing that the case highlights systemic decay in the aviation sector.
“We cannot allow impunity to thrive in our aviation system. In a civilized country, no one should stop a plane with their bare hands and be celebrated for it,” he said.
The lawyer alleged double standards in the handling of both incidents, noting that while Emmanson was swiftly sanctioned with a life ban, later lifted, KWAM 1 was neither arrested nor prosecuted but instead rewarded with a brand ambassadorship for the aviation sector.
“It’s a gross imbalance. What message does that send to the public?” he queried.
Ademiluyi also faulted Minister Keyamo’s role, claiming the minister appeared to defend one of the airlines involved rather than ensure due process. He criticised the AON for acting as complainant, prosecutor, and judge in the Emmanson case.
The suit seeks an order of mandamus compelling the authorities to take proper legal action against those involved, particularly KWAM 1, and to reinforce the principle that no one is above the law.
“This is not about celebrity status or political ties, it’s about the sanctity of the rule of law,” Ademiluyi stressed.
