On June 11, 2025, a public dispute unfolded between Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor, over allegations of extortion and overbooking at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. Air Peace issued a strongly worded statement, dismissing Oshiomhole’s claims as “deliberate falsehood” and “defamatory,” asserting that the senator’s actions at the airport were disruptive and unbecoming of his status. The airline has called on the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release CCTV footage to provide clarity on the incident, which has sparked significant debate on social media and in Nigerian aviation circles.
Air Peace detailed that the incident occurred at the check-in counter for its 6:30 a.m. flight to Abuja. According to the airline, Oshiomhole arrived late, after the check-in window had closed, a policy strictly enforced to ensure on-time departures. The airline stated that Oshiomhole, frustrated by being denied boarding, allegedly jumped onto a baggage conveyor belt, barricaded the entrance to the General Aviation Terminal, and incited other passengers, actions Air Peace described as “violent, unbecoming, and shameful” for a public figure.
Refuting Oshiomhole’s claim of overbooking, Air Peace emphasized that the flight in question departed with over 30 empty seats, directly contradicting the senator’s narrative. The airline further denied selling tickets after check-in closed, challenging Oshiomhole to provide evidence of any passenger being extorted by its staff. Air Peace underscored its commitment to passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency, noting that its on-time departure policy is well-publicized and designed to maintain schedule reliability across its network.
In response, Senator Oshiomhole maintained that he was not the disruptor but a victim of systemic issues within Air Peace’s operations. He claimed that despite checking in online for the Abuja flight, he and other passengers were denied boarding, while the airline allegedly sold tickets at inflated prices—citing an example of a seat sold for N250,000, significantly higher than his original N146,000 booking. Oshiomhole recounted witnessing a woman with a baby facing similar treatment, which he said prompted him to speak out against what he described as “extortionist policies” by the airline.
Oshiomhole further argued that he rejected attempts by Air Peace staff to offer him preferential treatment, insisting on standing in solidarity with other affected passengers. He accused the airline of exploiting customers through arbitrary ticketing practices and called for intervention by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to address what he termed a “recurring menace” in the aviation sector. The senator’s account has resonated with some passengers who have shared similar complaints about Nigerian airlines, though others have questioned the accuracy of his claims given Air Peace’s counterevidence.
Air Peace’s demand for CCTV footage from FAAN aims to substantiate its version of events, particularly regarding Oshiomhole’s alleged disruptive behavior. The airline stated that the footage would reveal the senator’s actions, including his purported attempt to incite a crowd and disrupt terminal operations. FAAN has not yet responded publicly to the request, and as of June 12, 2025, no official statement has been issued by the NCAA or other regulatory bodies regarding the incident.
The dispute has highlighted broader tensions in Nigeria’s aviation industry, where passengers frequently report issues such as flight delays, cancellations, and perceived unfair treatment by airlines. Air Peace, which operates a fleet of over 20 aircraft and serves both domestic and international routes, has positioned itself as a customer-focused carrier, often citing its role in reducing airfares through competitive pricing. However, Oshiomhole’s allegations tap into public frustrations with the sector, amplifying calls for stricter oversight and improved passenger protections.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to the incident, with users divided over who is at fault. Some defend Air Peace, praising its efforts to maintain punctuality and arguing that Oshiomhole’s status as a senator does not exempt him from adhering to standard procedures. Others support Oshiomhole, viewing his actions as a stand against perceived exploitation by airlines, with some users sharing personal anecdotes of similar experiences with Air Peace and other carriers.
The airline’s call for CCTV footage could prove pivotal in resolving the conflicting narratives. Air Peace has reiterated that it operates with transparency and urged the public to await the release of the footage, which it believes will vindicate its staff and expose Oshiomhole’s behavior. Meanwhile, Oshiomhole’s insistence on systemic issues suggests the dispute may prompt broader scrutiny of airline practices in Nigeria, potentially influencing future regulatory policies.
As of June 12, 2025, the situation remains unresolved, with no confirmation from FAAN on whether the requested CCTV footage will be made public. The NCAA has yet to comment, leaving observers to speculate on whether this incident will lead to formal investigations or policy changes. For now, the clash between Air Peace and Oshiomhole underscores the challenges of balancing operational efficiency with passenger expectations in Nigeria’s dynamic aviation landscape.
