In a statement released Thursday, Air Peace said no tickets were sold after check-in closed for the flight in question, which departed with over 30 empty seats. The airline emphasized that all passengers on board had purchased their tickets before check-in closure and denied any extortion or overbooking.
“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,” theairline said.
Air Peace further alleged that Oshiomhole arrived late for his 6:30 am flight and, after being denied boarding, disrupted airport operations by climbing on the baggage conveyor belt and blocking the terminal entrance.
Senator Oshiomhole, meanwhile, insisted he missed the flight despite completing online check-in and arriving on time. He claimed the flight was overbooked and accused the airline of racketeering by selling tickets at inflated prices at the counter, disadvantaging passengers who booked earlier.
Oshiomhole also recounted a previous incident where his flight was delayed for five hours before being cancelled, leading to unplanned hotel expenses. He has lodged complaints with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Calling for transparency, Air Peace urged FAAN to release CCTV footage from the airport to show the senator’s conduct, describing his behaviour as “violent, unbecoming, and shameful.”
