Executive Jets Services Limited, the airline that flew popular musician, Azeez Fashola also known as Naira Marley and his team from Lagos to Abuja, has said that the aircraft has been disinfected while the flight crew has been asked to go on self-isolation.
The company’s chief executive officer, Sam Iwuajoku, disclosed this in a chat with THE WITNESS on Thursday.
Iwuajoku, however added that the flight was chartered for the musician by a third party, hence, the “mix-up” of identity.
According to Iwuajoku, “In line with our COVID-19 emergency response plan, we have asked all the flight crew to go on self-isolation and get tested while the aircraft has been thoroughly disinfected.
”Let me mention again that we have since realised the mistake made by our ground crew and a full-scale investigation has been launched to determine what transpired with a view to avoiding such mistakes going forward.
“The flight was originally billed to ferry Judge Adefope Okojie to Abuja on Sunday, June 14th, 2020 as requested and a permit was granted based on the application. Earlier on Saturday, 13 June 2020, I got information that owing to exigencies of duty, the Honourable Justice Okojie had departed Lagos for Abuja by another flight.
“A few moments later, our airport staff reported that there was a charter flight to Abuja and that the passengers were already at the lounge. The passenger manifest had 10 names, including FASHOLA, BABATUNDE, whose name bears resemblance to that of the Honourable Minister of Works. The minister is a Lagosian and our staff reasonably assumed he was going to Abuja along with his aides and officials.
“The flight was booked by a third party.
“With the benefit of hindsight, we were too eager to fly a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, apparently without strictly observing all necessary protocols.
“We express sincere apology for this oversight as we promise that this will not happen again.”