We thought Naira Marley was Buhari’s minister, Fashola – Airline apologizes to FG

Owners of the private jet which flew in Naira Marley to Abuja amid coronavirus pandemic has apologized to the minister of aviation, Hadi Sirika.

Executive Jet Services, was on Monday suspended by the Federal Government for airlifting Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, also known as Naira Marley, from Lagos to Abuja.

There had been 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

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.”