Air Peace denies Oshiomhole’s extortion claims, labels allegations ‘shameful conduct’

Nigerian airline, Air Peace, has denied allegations made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole accusing the company of extorting passengers and reselling flight tickets at inflated prices.

The airline described the former Edo State governor’s claims as “deliberate falsehood,” calling his behavior at the airport “violent” and “shameful.”

In a strongly worded statement released by its management, Air Peace challenged Senator Oshiomhole to provide concrete evidence to support his claims that passengers were extorted after being denied boarding. The airline maintained that no tickets were sold after check-in for the flight in question had closed, and that the aircraft departed with over 30 empty seats.

“The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers. We challenge Senator Oshiomhole to bring one evidence of a passenger that was extorted,” the statement read.

Addressing the viral video showing Oshiomhole in a heated exchange with airport officials, Air Peace clarified that he arrived late for his 6:30 a.m. flight and was duly informed that check-in had closed. The airline accused the senator of disrupting airport operations.

“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,” the airline alleged.

Air Peace further stated that the lawmaker did not advocate on behalf of stranded passengers, as he claimed in media interviews, but rather incited others against the airline after being told he could no longer board.

Calling for transparency, the airline urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage from the terminal to show the true sequence of events.

Describing Oshiomhole’s extortion accusation as defamatory, Air Peace concluded by asserting its commitment to “strict on-time performance” over monetary gain.

The airline’s response follows a social media uproar after Oshiomhole publicly narrated his experience, alleging that passengers were bumped from their booked flights in favor of those willing to pay higher on-the-spot fares.