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Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has issued a blistering response to allegations of extortion and overbooking made by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, describing his claims as “blatant lies” and a smear on the airline’s reputation.

The controversy erupted after videos emerged showing a visibly agitated Senator Oshiomhole at an airport terminal, alleging that Air Peace had overbooked a flight and extorted passengers.

But in a strongly worded statement released by the airline’s management, Air Peace categorically denied all accusations and accused the senator of engaging in “deliberate falsehood.”

“The Senator lied blatantly when he accused Air Peace of extorting its passengers,” the statement read. “We challenge Senator Oshiomhole to bring one evidence of a passenger that was extorted.”

Air Peace further clarified that no tickets were sold after check-in had closed, countering insinuations that passengers were charged at the last minute.

“None of our staff ever extorted any passenger. In fact, no ticket was sold after the closure of check-in on that flight. Everyone who flew bought their ticket prior to the flight closure.”

The airline also tackled the claim of overbooking, calling it a complete fabrication. In a revelation that added dramatic irony to the senator’s complaint, Air Peace said the aircraft in question departed with over thirty vacant seats.

“Again, our flight was never overbooked as some of his videos alleged. In fact, the aircraft took off with over thirty (30) empty seats.”

“It would have been in our interest to carry Oshiomhole and those others who missed their flights for lateness on this flight, instead of flying many empty seats; but we will never sacrifice our strict on-time performance for monetary gains.”

The statement also dismantled the notion that Senator Oshiomhole was standing up for fellow passengers.

“It’s absolutely false that he was offered preferential treatment and that he was fighting for others. Senator Oshiomhole was not fighting for anyone. He came to the airport late and was told that he was late. He then began to foment trouble.”

Describing his behaviour at the airport as disruptive, Air Peace accused the former labour leader of physically obstructing airport operations:
“He jumped on the baggage conveyor belt preventing the check-in process of other flights. He also barricaded the entrance gate and prevented access to the terminal.”

In a call for transparency, Air Peace urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release security footage of the senator’s time in the airport.

“We call on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to release the CCTV coverage starting from the time Senator Oshiomole entered the airport, for Nigerians to see.”

The statement concluded on a scathing note, describing the senator’s behavior as “violent,” “unbecoming,” and “shameful.”

“His accusation of extortion is very defamatory. His conduct was very violent, unbecoming, unfortunate and above all, shameful.”

This latest clash pits a prominent Nigerian political figure against the country’s most visible local carrier, and the court of public opinion is already buzzing with responses on social media.

Whether the CCTV footage will be released — and whether Senator Oshiomhole will respond with evidence or an apology — remains to be seen. For now, Air Peace appears determined to defend its name and its timeliness, no matter how politically turbulent the skies may get.