Air Peace has refuted recent claims by the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) that a pilot, co-pilot, and cabin crew member tested positive for alcohol and cannabis following a runway excursion at Port Harcourt International Airport on July 13, 2025. The airline described the allegations as damaging to its reputation and stressed that no official communication regarding the investigation results had been received.
Victory Maduneme, an Air Peace cabin crew member implicated in the NSIB report, recounted on Arise News Night that investigators collected her blood and urine samples after the incident but only released the results ten days later. Maduneme revealed that upon receiving the letter in Lagos, she was in shock at the test outcome and subsequently consulted a licensed medical professional. She insisted on undergoing a confirmatory test at Kupa Aerospace Clinic, which returned negative for cannabis, contradicting the bureau’s claims. She raised concerns over procedural lapses, noting that if traces of THC had been found, the airline should have been notified immediately to prevent her from flying, warning that the delayed disclosure tarnished her professional image. Maduneme emphasized that NSIB’s statements risk defaming both her and the airline, stating that she might pursue legal action if the bureau does not retract its claims within 72 hours.
Co-pilot David Bernard also rejected the NSIB assertions, stressing that he neither consumes alcohol nor drugs. He criticized the use of blood tests instead of breathalyser tests, questioning the timing and validity of the procedure. Bernard described the delayed test results as unprofessional and highlighted the potential reputational damage caused by inaccurate reporting, especially after substantial personal investment in his aviation career.
Air Peace reiterated that the airline had not been formally informed of NSIB’s findings and reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety and operational integrity. The airline condemned any public statements that could misrepresent its crew or operations, describing the claims as unverified and harmful.
The incident underscores the need for timely, transparent communication between investigative authorities and airlines to safeguard professional integrity and public trust in aviation safety.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
📩 info@stonereportersnews.com | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNews
Add comment
Comments