ABUJA, Nigeria — Senator Adams Oshiomhole has denied allegations that he disrupted airport operations at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, claiming instead that he stood up against what he described as “systemic extortion” and discriminatory treatment by Air Peace staff.
The senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Interior and represents Edo North, addressed journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, following a statement by Air Peace accusing him of physically assaulting staff and obstructing terminal access after missing a flight.
Air Peace had claimed Oshiomhole missed Flight P47120 to Abuja, scheduled to depart at 6:30 a.m., and then caused a disturbance at the departure gate.
But Oshiomhole provided a detailed rebuttal, presenting documents and video evidence to counter the airline’s claims.
“Yesterday, I got to the airport 40 minutes ahead. My luggage was already checked in. But they told me they had stopped issuing boarding passes,” he said.
“Meanwhile, I saw others arriving after me who were allowed to board.”
The former Edo State governor said despite possessing business class tickets for himself and an aide—who was allowed to board—he was denied boarding on two occasions in 24 hours.
He said the airline applied its rules arbitrarily and changed its check-in policy last-minute, confusing passengers and blocking entry to those who had valid online check-ins.
Oshiomhole alleged the airline was engaging in exploitative practices by denying passengers who had booked tickets online, only to resell seats at inflated rates on the spot.
“They were selling tickets on the spot at higher prices. A lady bought her ticket for ₦146,000 online, arrived at 5:55 a.m., and was told the gate was closed. Meanwhile, others were buying tickets for ₦250,000 and were allowed to board. That is not policy enforcement; it is extortion,” he said.
He maintained that he did not cause a disturbance but only stood firm when confronted with what he described as widespread abuse of passengers’ rights.
“They offered to help me once they recognised me. I said, don’t help me—enforce my rights like every other Nigerian,” he stated.
Oshiomhole recounted assisting a woman travelling with a six-month-old baby, who was similarly denied boarding despite having checked in.
The airline, he said, demanded she pay ₦109,000 more to be rebooked.
He said he eventually transferred ₦500,000 to the woman to assist with her costs.
“I didn’t jump on any conveyor belt. I didn’t obstruct operations. I stood with stranded passengers and demanded accountability,” he said.
“If speaking out makes me a troublemaker, then I’ll cause trouble forever.”
He called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the federal government to investigate the alleged predatory behaviour by domestic airlines.
“This is ruthless, primitive capitalism. Nigerians are unprotected. The government must act,” Oshiomhole said, warning that ongoing abuse could escalate into public unrest.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has stated that it plans to file formal complaints with the Senate, NCAA, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies for investigation and possible disciplinary action.
