FG launches investigation into airport clash between Air Peace, Oshiomhole

The Federal Government has initiated an official investigation into the recent altercation between Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, and Senator Adams Oshiomhole, which occurred on Wednesday at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this in a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Friday. According to the minister, he has personally spoken to both parties involved in the dispute and has urged them to refrain from making further public comments pending the outcome of the investigation.

Keyamo emphasized the need for professionalism and decorum from all stakeholders in the aviation industry, adding that the inquiry will be conducted transparently and without bias.

“In the wake of the incident at the Lagos Airport last Wednesday involving Air Peace and His Excellency, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, I have been in direct contact with both parties since that morning,” Keyamo 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 a way that guides future conduct in similar situations.”

The altercation stemmed from allegations by Air Peace that Oshiomhole interfered with its operations after missing a flight. Video clips shared on social media platform X showed the senator engaging with an airline staff member and later sitting at the Zulu Hall gate in Terminal 1.

Oshiomhole has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was protesting what he described as exploitative practices and arbitrary changes in policy by the airline.

He accused the carrier of imposing extra charges on passengers who had already checked in online, a claim that Air Peace strongly refuted as a “deliberate falsehood.”

Keyamo emphasized the need for an unbiased review of the incident, instructing aviation authorities to gather comprehensive evidence for submission to his office.

He also highlighted the importance of ensuring impartiality: “The longstanding legal principle of listening to all parties must be upheld,” he said.