No Extortion, Oshiomhole Was Late Says Air Peace

Air Peace Airline has rejected allegations made by former Edo State governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who accused the airline of extorting passengers.

The airline responded on Thursday, dismissing the claims as false and urging the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage showing the moment Senator Oshiomhole arrived at the airport.

In a statement, Air Peace said no tickets were sold after check-in had closed for the flight in question. “We challenge Senator Oshiomhole to bring one piece of evidence of a passenger who was extorted,” the airline said.

The statement also said the flight was not overbooked and departed with more than 30 empty seats, contradicting some of the senator’s videos. The airline said it prioritises on-time performance over carrying late passengers.

Air Peace called Oshiomhole’s behaviour as disruptive and aggressive. According to the airline, the senator climbed onto a baggage conveyor belt, blocked the terminal entrance, and incited other passengers against the airline after being told he was late for check-in.

“It’s absolutely false that he was offered preferential treatment and that he was fighting for others,” the statement added.

The airline has called on FAAN to publish the CCTV footage to clarify the situation and allow the public to see what happened.