AWC AVIATION DESK
Umueri, Anambra State – Following earlier reports alleging operational interference by a staff member of Air Peace at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, the individual at the centre of the claims, Mr. Chigozia Hypolite Okoye, has responded to inquiries by the African Writers Centre (AWC), firmly denying all allegations levelled against him.
Mr. Okoye described the claims circulating among some airport taxi operators as “misleading, unfounded and the handiwork of individuals who were previously held accountable for breaches of operational standards at the airport.”
Allegation of Retaliation
He alleged that the complaints were being driven by persons who, according to him, had earlier faced disciplinary actions or transfers due to what he described as “non-compliance with airport procedures.”
Mr. Okoye stated that the aggrieved parties were now attempting to retaliate by spreading what he called fabricated accusations aimed at tarnishing his professional reputation.
Denial of Passenger Interception Claims
Responding specifically to allegations that he intercepts or diverts passengers from licensed airport taxi operators, Mr. Okoye denied any such practice, insisting that neither he nor the Air Peace station has any operational conflict with taxi operators at the airport.
He maintained that the airline maintains a working relationship with transport operators within the airport ecosystem, stressing that “all stakeholders are carried along in line with operational guidelines.”
Clarification on Cash Handling Allegations
On allegations relating to cash handling and alleged escort of passengers with large sums of money, Mr. Okoye strongly refuted the claims, describing them as “false and misleading interpretations of routine airport interactions.”
He further stated that Air Peace and its personnel do not engage in or facilitate unauthorized financial transactions involving passengers.
According to him, strict internal compliance standards are observed, particularly regarding cash movement and passenger financial declarations.
Mr. Okoye noted that the airline adheres to regulatory expectations, adding that he personally enforces limits on cash declarations in line with aviation and financial guidelines, citing thresholds of ₦1 million for individuals and ₦5 million for corporate-related declarations, where applicable under operational awareness protocols.
Position on Operational Conduct
He reiterated that his responsibilities are strictly aligned with security and operational coordination duties at the airport, insisting that he has never engaged in conduct that undermines aviation procedures or interferes with licensed taxi operations.
Mr. Okoye also emphasized that Air Peace maintains a professional presence at the Umueri airport and continues to operate within established aviation frameworks.
Air Peace and Regulatory Context
Air Peace, led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, is widely recognized as one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with operations across domestic and international routes.
The airline has not issued an official corporate statement specifically addressing the allegations at the time of filing this report. Likewise, aviation regulators including FAAN and the NCAA have yet to publicly confirm any investigation into the matter.
Right of Reply and Ongoing Inquiry
As with the earlier report, all allegations remain unproven and subject to verification by relevant authorities.
This follow-up reflects Mr. Okoye’s response as obtained by African Writers Centre (AWC). All parties mentioned are entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence pending any formal regulatory findings.
