Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has called for a thorough investigation into the altercation between Air Peace and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly.
The directive was issued in a statement shared via the minister’s official X account on Friday, following a public spat between the airline and the senator over an incident that occurred Wednesday morning at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1, Zulu Hall.
Air Peace had accused Oshiomhole of violent conduct and disruption during a flight boarding process. In response, Oshiomhole denied the allegations and instead accused the airline of barring him and several others from boarding despite having completed online check-in. He further alleged extortion and unwholesome practices by the airline.
Air Peace refuted the senator’s claims, maintaining that its staff acted appropriately.
In his statement, the minister disclosed he has been in direct communication with both parties since the incident occurred. He urged restraint from both sides in their public remarks while investigations proceed.
“In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving AIRPEACE Airline and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning,” he stated.
“Whilst appealing to both sides to halt the public accusations and counter-accusations, I am further directing the relevant aviation agencies to thoroughly look into the issue, collect all available evidence, and revert to my office so we can deal with the issue in such a way as to guide future conduct in similar situations.”