Lagos, Nigeria – Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, has strongly refuted allegations of extortion levelled against it by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, describing his claims as “deliberate falsehoods” and his behaviour at the airport as “violent” and “shameful.”
In a statement released on Thursday, Air Peace responded to accusations made by the former Edo State governor, who claimed the airline extorted passengers and overbooked a flight. The airline categorically denied these allegations, challenging Oshiomhole to provide evidence of any passenger being extorted. “None of our staff ever extorted any passenger,” the statement read, adding that no tickets were sold after check-in closed for the flight in question.
Air Peace clarified that the flight was not overbooked, as alleged, and departed with more than 30 empty seats. The airline emphasised its commitment to on-time performance, stating it would not compromise this for financial gain, even though it could have accommodated Oshiomhole and other late passengers.
The airline accused Oshiomhole of arriving late at the airport and causing a disturbance when informed he had missed his flight. According to Air Peace, the senator “jumped on the baggage conveyor belt,” disrupting check-in processes for other flights, and “barricaded the entrance gate,” blocking access to the terminal. The statement further alleged that Oshiomhole instigated other passengers against the airline, contradicting his claim of advocating for others.
Air Peace described Oshiomhole’s conduct as “very violent, unbecoming, unfortunate and above all, shameful,” and called on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage from the time of his arrival at the airport to substantiate their account. The airline labelled his extortion accusations as “very defamatory.”
The incident has sparked debate on social media, with some Nigerians questioning Oshiomhole’s actions and others calling for greater transparency in the aviation sector. Air Peace reiterated its commitment to fair treatment of passengers and urged the public to disregard the senator’s claims.
The airline’s management signed off the statement, reaffirming their stance and calling for accountability through the release of the CCTV evidence.
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