The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has directed a thorough investigation into the recent altercation at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport involving Senator Adams Oshiomhole and Air Peace Airline.

In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Keyamo confirmed he has been in direct contact with both parties since the incident occurred last Wednesday. He also instructed aviation agencies to exercise restraint and avoid hasty conclusions.

“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. I also directed the aviation agencies to exercise restraint in jumping to conclusions in line with the time-honoured legal principle of ‘hear all sides’ before reaching judgment,” Keyamo said.

The Minister further urged both parties to suspend public accusations and counter-accusations while calling for calm.

“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,” he added.

The altercation reportedly began when Senator Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, missed a scheduled Air Peace flight (P47120) and allegedly reacted aggressively. According to the airline, the senator arrived at Terminal 1 (Zulu Hall) at around 6:10 a.m., after boarding had closed.

Air Peace accused Oshiomhole of becoming violent toward staff and disrupting airport operations by blocking the terminal entrance and preventing other passengers from entering.

“He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal,” the airline stated.

The incident caused operational delays, and the airline said it had to activate a contingency plan to accommodate affected travellers through an alternate terminal.

Air Peace has strongly condemned what it called “unruly” and “unacceptable” behaviour by a high-profile public official, reiterating its zero-tolerance stance on violence and aggression toward staff or passengers.

While both parties continue to trade accusations, Keyamo’s intervention signals an official review of the matter. The findings are expected to guide future handling of similar conflicts in Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Melissa Enoch

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