Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has ordered a probe into the face-off between Air Peace and former Edo State Governor, Sen. Adams Oshiomhole, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday, Keyamo revealed he has been in direct communication with both parties since the incident on Wednesday and has directed aviation agencies to refrain from making premature judgments.
“I have directed all aviation agencies to exercise restraint and adhere to the principle of hearing all sides before drawing conclusions,” the minister stated.
The incident stems from a disagreement between Sen. Oshiomhole and Air Peace over alleged extortion and unfair treatment of passengers, which led to the senator missing his flight.
Air Peace officials maintain that the senator arrived late for his scheduled flight.
However, Sen. Oshiomhole insists he was present at the airport well ahead of time and accused the staff of the airline of racketeering, claiming they prioritised other passengers who allegedly paid extra money to purchase their flight tickets.
The senator further claimed that he and other passengers were asked to pay an additional N109,100 each to be rebooked on an 8:30 am flight, despite having arrived on time.
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“I saw them clearing passengers who came after me. This wasn’t about timing. It was about who could pay more,” Sen. Oshiomhole said, adding that 20 to 30 passengers were similarly affected.
Responding to the escalating war of words between both parties, Keyamo appealed for calm and urged restraint in the media and public space.
“I call on both sides to refrain from further accusations and counter-accusations. Let us allow a proper and impartial investigation to take its course,” he said.
To that end, the minister has ordered a full-scale probe into the matter.
Relevant aviation authorities have been directed to collect all available evidence, including CCTV footage, passenger logs, and staff reports, and submit their findings to his office.
“This matter will be handled thoroughly and decisively. The outcome will help guide future conduct in similar situations,” Keyamo concluded.
