Air Peace has denied allegations made by former Edo State governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who accused the airline of extorting passengers at the airport. The airline released a statement rejecting the claims and requested the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage covering the moment Oshiomhole entered the airport.
According to Air Peace, no tickets were sold after the check-in counter closed for the flight in question. The airline said all passengers on board had completed their bookings before the deadline and that the flight departed with more than 30 empty seats. It stressed that there was no overbooking, countering suggestions made in Oshiomhole’s videos.
The airline stated it had no reason to turn away latecomers, including Oshiomhole, since more passengers would have been financially beneficial. However, it emphasized its commitment to punctuality and stated it would not compromise its schedule for profit.
Air Peace further described Oshiomhole’s actions at the airport as disruptive. According to the statement, he arrived late, ignored the boarding deadline, and caused a scene. The airline alleged that Oshiomhole climbed onto the baggage conveyor belt, blocked other check-in processes, and even barricaded the entrance to the terminal, inciting other passengers in the process.
The airline dismissed the claim that he was standing up for other travelers, saying he was only reacting to his own missed flight. It labeled his conduct as aggressive and inappropriate, calling the extortion accusation defamatory.
Air Peace concluded its response by calling on FAAN to make the airport’s CCTV footage public, saying it would confirm the events and show that Oshiomhole’s version of the story was untrue.
