Air Peace has debunked the claim by Adams Oshiomhole, senator representing Edo north, that the airline extorted passengers at the airport.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the airline described the allegation as “deliberate falsehood,” adding that no passenger was asked to pay money after the closure of check-in.
On Wednesday, Air Peace accused Oshiomhole of disrupting its operations after missing a scheduled flight.
In two videos circulated on X, the senator could be seen addressing an official at the airport and also sitting in front of a gate at the Zulu Hall located at the Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal 1.
In response to the allegations, Oshiomhole said he did not cause any disruption but rather took a stand against what he called extortion and arbitrary policy changes by the airline.
He claimed he turned down preferential treatment and chose to support other stranded passengers instead.
But the airline countered that the senator was not acting on behalf of any passengers, maintaining that he arrived at the airport late.
“The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers. We challenge Senator Oshiomole to bring one evidence of a passenger that was extorted,” the statement reads.
“None of our staff ever extorted any passenger. In fact, no ticket was sold after the closure of check-in on that flight. Everyone who flew bought their ticket prior to the flight closure.
“Again, our flight was never overbooked as some of his videos alleged. In fact, 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.
“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. He then began to forment 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.”
Air Peace demands release of CCTV footage
Air Peace called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage from the time the senator arrived at the airport to verify its claims.
The airline maintained that Oshiomhole’s extortion allegation is highly defamatory, describing his behaviour as “violent, unbecoming, unfortunate, and shameful”.
