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Comfort Emmanson sues FG, NCAA, seeks N500bn damages

Published

4 months ago

August 16, 2025

Comfort Emmanson

Comfort Emmanson sues FG, NCAA, seeks N500bn damages

A public interest lawyer, Ayodele Ademiluyi, has taken the Federal Government, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and several others to court, seeking N500 billion in damages over what he calls a flagrant disregard for the rule of law in two high-profile aviation incidents involving music star King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (Kwam 1) and air passenger Comfort Emmanson.

The case, filed at the Federal High Court in Lagos with suit number FHC/L/CS/1632/25, names a wide range of respondents including the President, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN), the NCAA, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Ibom Air, ValueJet, the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Governor and Attorney-General of Akwa Ibom State, King Wasiu himself, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing, Ademiluyi — who also serves as convener of the Movement for Justice and secretary of the Radical Gender Movement said his action was aimed at ensuring accountability and safeguarding the public interest.

According to him, the case is not about individuals but about systemic failure within the aviation sector.

“Our aviation system needs a complete overhauling. 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 said.

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Ademiluyi alleged that authorities applied double standards in handling the incidents, accusing them of shielding Kwam 1 from prosecution while swiftly sanctioning Emmanson.

“It’s a gross imbalance. There was no arrest, no arraignment, no prosecution of Mr. Kwam 1. In fact, he was rewarded with a brand ambassadorship for the aviation sector. What message does that send to the public?” he asked.

He also faulted the decision to appoint Kwam 1 as an aviation brand ambassador, calling it a move that undermines the industry’s integrity.

“If someone can stop a plane with their bare hands and be appointed a brand ambassador, it sends the wrong signal,” Ademiluyi added.

The lawyer further criticized Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, accusing him of siding with one of the airlines instead of enforcing the law. He is asking the court for an order of mandamus compelling relevant authorities to act against those involved.

“This is not about celebrity status or political connections — it’s about the sanctity of the rule of law,” he said.

Ademiluyi also questioned the role of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, which had initially imposed a life ban on Emmanson before later lifting it, accusing the body of acting as “complainant, prosecutor and judge.”

“The central issue remains: Mr. Kwam 1 is walking the streets free. That is a big slap on the rule of law,” he stressed. “The suit we have filed is a public interest action. The collective interest of the polity is at stake.”

He urged the judiciary to use the case to affirm that no one, no matter how powerful or influential, is above the law.

Comfort Emmanson sues FG, NCAA, seeks N500bn damages

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Published

3 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

Published

4 hours ago

December 6, 2025

Trends Admin

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.