Airline which flew Naira Marley to Abuja apologises, alleges mistaken identity

The Chairman of Executive Jet Services, the private jet which flew Naira Marley to Abuja from Lagos amid coronavirus pandemic restriction has apologized to the Federal Government of Nigeria through  the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

The airline was on Monday suspended by the Federal Government for airlifting Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, popularly called Naira Marley, to Abuja from Lagos.

The action was met with outrage and criticisms on social media after the video emerged of Naira Marley hosting a concert at Jabi Lake Mall despite the interstate lockdown and flight restriction.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Mr. Sam Iwuajoku, in a letter sent to Minister of Aviation, said that the airline airlifted Naira Marley due to a case of mistaken identity.

He said there was no indication from the names in the manifest that Naira Marley was part of the flight, as they thought it was Minister of Works, Mr. Babatunde Fashola.

The Chairman added that the passenger manifest dated June 13, 2020, the Lagos-Abuja-Lagos flight conveyed to Abuja: Adewunmi Segun, Chinonso Opara, Fashola Babatunde, Fashola Adeshina and Adeyeye Tobi.

Others were: Michael Opeyemi, Idowu Emmanuel, Seyi Awonuga, Wisdom Intoto and Abayomi Akin.

The letter read in part: “On Saturday morning, 13th June, 2020, my staff called and told me that they have a charter flight to Abuja and that the passengers were already at the lounge.

“As a rule, passenger manifest is always sent to me before any departure.

“When I went through the manifest and I saw Fashola Babatunde, I thought it was the Hon. Minister of Works going to Abuja so we decided to do the flight, since he is serving Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”