One of Nigeria’s foremost airlines, Air Peace, has accused a high-ranking Nigerian public official of causing a major disruption at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 1 in Lagos after reportedly missing a flight to Abuja on Wednesday morning.
In an official statement, the airline described the individual’s behavior as “unruly” and “violent” after arriving late for a 6:30 a.m. flight.
The incident is said to have occurred around 6:10 a.m., just after the airline had closed boarding procedures.
According to Air Peace, the individual became agitated when informed that he could no longer board and reacted by confronting staff and obstructing access to the departure hall.
“Upon being informed of the missed flight, the politician resorted to violence, physically assaulting our staff and forcefully barricading the terminal’s entrance,” the airline said.
“He went as far as sealing the entry gate and manning the access point, effectively obstructing other passengers from gaining entry into the terminal.”
Eyewitness accounts and airline officials reported chaotic scenes at the terminal. Videos circulating online allegedly show the individual climbing onto a baggage conveyor belt and attempting to use airport seating to block entryways.
“He tried to disrupt our operations,” one official stated. “He took laws into his own hands. A senator?”
In one clip, the individual is heard confronting staff: “I am not here for privilege, give me my ticket or give me my cash.”
Air Peace expressed disappointment that a public figure of such stature would behave in this manner, emphasizing that the incident violated the airline’s operational standards.
“We are deeply saddened that such a high-profile figure displayed conduct so unbecoming and disruptive to fellow passengers and our personnel. Air Peace maintains a zero-tolerance stance on violence or any form of aggression against our staff and passengers,” the airline said.
While other passengers who arrived late reportedly accepted they had missed the flight without issue, the individual in question insisted on boarding, citing his online check-in as justification.
The airline also noted that its recent adjustments to flight schedules—effective since May 12—have significantly improved punctuality, with a reported 98% on-time performance, partly in response to increased bird strike activity at the Owerri and Port Harcourt airports.
Officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria were reportedly present during the confrontation. However, the airline hinted at a lack of decisive action from the agencies.
“They appeared pleased with him,” one airline official remarked.
Air Peace confirmed that formal complaints are being prepared for submission to the Nigerian Senate, the NCAA, the Department of State Services, and other relevant authorities. The airline is calling for a thorough investigation and possible disciplinary measures.
As of the time of publication, the individual accused of disrupting operations had not issued a public response to the allegations.
