Passengers using the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, have reportedly raised concerns over what they describe as repeated incidents of harassment, alleged touting practices, and unprofessional conduct involving a staff member identified as Mr. Chigozia Hypolite Okoye, a Chief Station Officer (CSO) attached to Air Peace operations in Anambra.
The concerns, which have been circulated alongside video clips reportedly showing activities within the airport environment, allege that some Air Peace ground staff engaged in conduct that contradicts standard aviation safety and financial compliance procedures.
Allegations of Airport Side Misconduct
In one of the widely circulated video recordings dated June 14, 2026, it was alleged that an Airpeace aircraft and a private jet were simultaneously on ground operations when Mr. Okoye and other unidentified staff were seen moving toward the private aircraft side without full reflective safety gear.
The footage, according to the claims, suggests that attention was diverted from scheduled Airpeace flight operations while interactions involving passengers and cash transactions allegedly took place around the private aircraft area.
Further allegations claim that financial transfers were made to a personal bank account reportedly linked to the staff member, though these claims remain unverified by independent aviation authorities, the Eko Bank account number was made available to our correspondent.
Additional Allegations Raised by Passengers
Other video clips referenced by concerned passengers allegedly show:
Staff members carrying passenger luggage reportedly containing cash at the lounge.
A staff member allegedly calling out personal bank details to passengers during boarding procedures
Repeated movement of cash-filled bags within restricted airport operational areas
Instances of staff operating on the airside without reflective safety jackets, raising concerns about compliance with aviation safety standards
Some passengers also allege that attempts to address the concerns internally have not yielded results, with claims of confidence expressed by the staff member regarding internal support structures within the station.
These allegations have not been independently verified by regulatory authorities at the time of this report.
Concerns Over Operational Standards
Aviation observers note that if substantiated, such practices could raise serious questions regarding:
Airport safety compliance protocols
Anti-money laundering safeguards
Passenger handling ethics
Ground operations discipline within the station
Stakeholders have called for a thorough review of operations at the airport to ensure adherence to aviation standards.
Air Peace Reputation and Corporate Standing
Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s largest private airlines, continues to maintain a strong reputation for domestic and international operations, with commendations for its expansion, fleet growth, and service delivery across multiple routes in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Industry analysts emphasize that isolated allegations, if any, should not overshadow the airline’s broader operational achievements and contributions to Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Call for Internal Review
While no official statement has been issued regarding the specific allegations at the time of filing this report, stakeholders are urging the management of Airpeace to review operational conduct at its Anambra station, ensure compliance with aviation regulations, and strengthen internal monitoring systems.
They also appealed to the airline’s Chairman and CEO, Mr. Allen Onyema, widely respected for his contributions to Nigerian aviation and humanitarian interventions, to extend oversight measures to ensure that operational standards remain consistent across all stations.
Those alleged to be involved in what seems to be an organised system breaching standard airport operations and safety protocols include the Hypolite Okoye, who allegedly claimed to have the backing and support of his station manager, the head office CSO, and the airport MD.
This trade is said to continue unabated, not minding the money laundering act or limits of flyable cash.
As concerns continue to circulate, aviation stakeholders stress the importance of transparency, regulatory compliance, and due process in addressing any operational lapses, while also preserving the integrity and reputation of one of Nigeria’s flagship airlines.
