Air Peace has categorically denied allegations made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, calling his accusations of extortion and overbooking “deliberate falsehoods.”
In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) and signed by the airline’s management, Air Peace challenged the senator to provide evidence backing his claims.
“The Senator blatantly lied when he accused Air Peace of extorting passengers. We challenge him to present a single case of such extortion,” the statement read.
The airline clarified that the flight in question departed with more than 30 unoccupied seats and that no tickets were issued after the check-in deadline.
“No staff extorted any passenger. The flight was not overbooked. In fact, we would have preferred a full load, including Senator Oshiomhole, but we will not sacrifice our on-time performance for profit.”
Air Peace also accused the senator of unruly conduct at the airport.
“He arrived late, disrupted airport operations by climbing onto the baggage conveyor belt, and obstructed access to the terminal.”
The airline called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage to verify their account of events.
“We urge FAAN to release surveillance footage showing the Senator’s arrival and conduct at the terminal. His actions were violent, disgraceful, and defamatory.”
Oshiomhole Responds
In his earlier statement, Senator Oshiomhole alleged that he missed his Lagos–Abuja flight due to disorganization at the airport, and accused Air Peace of overbooking and engaging in ticket racketeering.
“I had checked in online the night before. When I arrived, I was told the flight was full. My assistant, who had our luggage checked in, was denied a boarding pass. This wasn’t just about me other passengers missed the flight as well.”
He further claimed the incident resulted in ₦1.6 million in hotel expenses for him and his delegation and said the airline promised to rebook them on a later flight.
The senator also alleged that tickets were being sold at inflated prices at the airport counter, describing the practice as “racketeering.”
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