Sports journalist, Charles Anazodo, has slammed all those who attacked the Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, following an issue with Air Peace airlines.

This was after the airline accused Oshiomole of causing chaos and physically assaulting their staff at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos when he allegedly arrived late for his flight.

The airline's claim was debunked by the lawmaker, who provided proof that he had checked in online but was prevented from accessing the flight he had booked.

He also alleged that right in front of him and other affected passengers, Air Peace staff were selling tickets at a higher price for the same flight.

He insinuated that those who bought tickets online were intentionally stranded so their slot would be sold at a higher price to others.

In a statement, Air Peace said the Senator lied blatantly when he accused the airline of extorting its passengers.

"We challenge Senator Oshiomole to bring one evidence of a passenger that was extorted," Air Peace said, after Oshiomhole revealed that despite checking in online for his flight, he was denied access to board the aircraft.

After Air Peace's statement, many Nigerians attacked Oshiomhole on social media, accusing him of displaying the unruly behaviour of VIPs and politicians.

This was despite Oshiomhole claiming that whatever disturbance he's accused of causing at the airport, he did it for the Nigerians at the airport affected by the airline's decision.

Shortly after, the tide turned in his favour when other passengers started narrating their ordeal with Air Peace to corroborate his story.

Reacting, journalist Anazodo said, "Shame on all those who were quick to condemn Adams Oshiomole for the Air Peace debacle. Always quick to chastise politicians just because they can. Clearly and thankfully, people who witnessed the situation have spoken up. Airlines have done too many people dirty!!!

On X, veteran sports journalist, Godwin Enakhena, said, "I booked a 7am Airpeace flight to Abuja and I got to the airport by 6:15am only to be told that they’ve closed their counter. But right there, area boys were selling same Airpeace tickets for thrice the original amount. I got another airline. Airpeace own don dey too much o!"

@johnrea57213957 said, "I might not support Oshiomhole but don’t ever say your staff does not extort passengers. If your flight is 8:00 and you get to the airport by 7:30, your staff will claim the plane has gone, and your staff will sell the seat to the highest bidder at the airport.
This is very common."

@DaveJoh26844031 said, "Air Peace a.k.a Air Thieves. This is nothing new most Nigerians have suffered from the hands of Air Thieves. Moving their boarding and cancelling flights arbitrarily, purely to maximize fund. This is not about Osho but about the dubiousness of Air thieves."

Reacting to such claims, Air Peace said, "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.

"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.
It’s absolutely false that he was offered preferential treatment and that he was fighting for others. Senator Oshiomole was not fighting for anyone. He came to the airport late and was told that he was late. He then began to forment trouble. 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. While he was doing all these, he also deliberately instigated other passengers against the Airline.

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

ASA