Nigerian carrier Air Peace has called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to release closed-circuit television footage of an incident involving former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, following his allegations of extortion against the airline.
In a strongly worded statement on Thursday, Air Peace categorically denied Oshiomhole’s claims that it extorted passengers, challenging the senator to provide evidence. The airline stated that no tickets were sold after check-in closure for the flight in question and that the aircraft departed with over 30 empty seats.
“Our attention has been drawn to the deliberate falsehood being peddled by Senator Adams Oshiomole against Air Peace,” the statement read. “The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers. We challenge Senator Oshiomole to bring one piece of evidence of a passenger who was extorted.”
The airline emphasized its adherence to operational procedures, stating: “None of our staff ever extorted any passengers. No ticket was sold after the closure of check-in on that flight. Everyone who flew bought their ticket before the flight closure.”
Air Peace also refuted claims of overbooking, clarifying: “Again, our flight was never overbooked as some of his videos alleged. The aircraft took off with over thirty (30) empty seats. It would have been in our interest to carry Oshiomhole and those others who missed their flights for lateness on this flight, instead of flying many empty seats; but we will never sacrifice our strict on-time performance for monetary gains.”
The airline accused Oshiomhole of disruptive behavior, alleging he arrived late and then obstructed operations. “It’s absolutely false that he was offered preferential treatment and that he was fighting for others. Senator Oshiomole was not fighting for anyone. He came to the airport late and was told that he was late,” the statement continued.
Detailing the incident, Air Peace claimed: “He then began to foment trouble. He jumped on the baggage conveyor belt preventing the check-in process of other flights. He also barricaded the entrance gate and prevented access to the terminal. While he was doing all these, he also deliberately instigated other passengers against the airline.”
The airline concluded by demanding transparency through CCTV evidence: “We call on the FAAN to release the CCTV coverage starting from the time Senator Oshiomole entered the airport, for Nigerians to see. His accusation of extortion is very defamatory. His conduct was very violent, unbecoming, unfortunate and above all, shameful.”
The dispute highlights growing tensions between airlines and passengers over operational procedures in Nigeria’s aviation sector. Air Peace maintains its commitment to on-time performance, while Oshiomhole’s allegations have sparked debate about passenger rights and airline accountability. The release of CCTV footage, if granted by FAAN, could provide clarity on the contentious incident.