Senator Adams Oshiomhole has accused Air Peace of racketeering and poor treatment of passengers after he missed a scheduled flight from Lagos to Abuja on Wednesday.
Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and current senator representing Edo North, said he arrived at Murtala Muhammed Airport shortly before 6:00 am to catch a 6:30 am flight. However, he was told the flight was full and that boarding had already closed—despite having checked in online the night before.
“I showed them my online check-in and boarding pass, but they said the flight was full. That means they overbooked. As I speak to you now, I’m still wearing yesterday’s clothes because my luggage has already left with my assistant,” he said in an interview with our reporter.
The airline, however, released a statement blaming Oshiomhole for the incident. According to Air Peace, the senator arrived late and became disruptive when he was not allowed to board.
“Boarding had already closed in line with aviation protocols. The passenger reacted violently, physically assaulted staff, and blocked the terminal entrance, disrupting normal airport operations,” the airline said.
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Oshiomhole denied these claims, saying he simply stood at the entrance to protest the treatment of passengers. He added that about 20 to 30 other travelers were also denied boarding and asked to pay an extra ₦109,100 to catch the next flight at 8:30 am.
“They tried to give me special treatment, but I refused. What about the others who can’t afford that amount?” It seems they are selling tickets at higher rates at the counter, ignoring those who already booked. That’s racketeering,” Oshiomole added.
The senator also shared previous bad experiences with Nigerian airlines. He said an earlier Air Peace flight was delayed for over five hours before being cancelled. He also mentioned a failed attempt to fly with Ibom Air, where he was denied boarding even though his luggage had been checked in by his aide.
After his latest travel problem, Oshiomhole said he sent a complaint to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
“I think the only reason I am called now is because I’m the only easily known face there. But honestly, the situation was more or less riotous in the morning.” Oshiomole said.