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Alleged Consumer Rights Violations: FG Sends Strong Warning To Air Peace Following FCCPC’s Probe

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The Federal Government has cautioned Air Peace against obstructing an ongoing investigation into alleged breaches of consumer rights, including exploitative airfare practices. This warning was issued by Ondaje Ijagwu, spokesperson for the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), through a statement released on Sunday.

The warning follows Air Peace’s claim last Friday that the FCCPC’s allegations of exploitative pricing have unfairly harmed its reputation. The airline further accused the Commission of failing to follow due process in its investigation. Air Peace has asserted that domestic airfares should range between ₦500,000 and ₦700,000 per route, a pricing model that has drawn widespread criticism from consumers and regulatory authorities.

The FCCPC, however, dismissed Air Peace’s claims, stating that they appear to be a deliberate attempt to shift focus from the ongoing probe into the airline’s pricing practices.

The FCCPC revealed that consumer complaints against Air Peace center on the following issues:

Unjustified Fare Increases: Allegations of arbitrary price hikes for advance bookings on certain domestic routes.
Transparency Concerns: Lack of clarity in pricing structures.
Passenger Exploitation: Claims of arbitrary flight cancellations, delays without compensation, and surcharges for rescheduling tickets.
One complaint highlighted by the FCCPC challenges Air Peace’s justification for high fares. While Air Peace claims it spends ₦7 million on fuel for a one-hour flight, consumer petitions argue that a typical Boeing 737-500 used by the airline costs approximately ₦4 million to fuel. With 120 passengers paying an average fare of ₦200,000, the airline would generate ₦24 million per flight—far exceeding operational costs. At the proposed fare of ₦500,000, the revenue would soar to ₦60 million per flight.

The FCCPC noted that some competitors have reduced fares to as low as ₦80,000 for similar routes, demonstrating that affordable pricing and operational sustainability are achievable within the same market. This disparity has led to questions about Air Peace’s pricing model and whether the airline is influencing other carriers to raise fares.

Further compounding consumer frustrations, a recent incident at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport saw passengers protesting a four-hour delay on an Air Peace flight to Lagos. The chaos reportedly required security intervention to restore order.

The FCCPC emphasized its legal authority under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) of 2018 to investigate pricing practices across all sectors, including aviation. The Commission cited Sections 17, 33, 127, and 148 of the Act, which empower it to ensure that pricing is fair, competitive, and non-exploitative.

Responding to Air Peace’s assertions that only aviation regulators can oversee its operations, the FCCPC clarified that it is mandated to protect consumer rights, regardless of the sector. “Passengers are consumers of its services. Their rights are inalienable and guaranteed under the FCCPA,” the Commission stated.

The FCCPC reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and warned that no amount of “blackmail or cowboy tactics” from Air Peace would derail its efforts.

The FCCPC reassured Nigerians that it remains resolute in its mission to promote market fairness, safeguard consumer rights, and foster transparency in the aviation industry. It called on the public to disregard unfounded media reports and trust in its ability to uphold justice.

As investigations continue, Air Peace and other stakeholders will need to cooperate with regulatory authorities to address these pressing concerns and ensure compliance with consumer protection laws.

 

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South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol impeached over martial law order

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People celebrate after impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. Lee Jin-man/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved
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President Yoon Suk Yeol removed from office as the court upholds impeachment. ‘I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I could not live up to your expectations,’ ousted leader says

The Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, resulting in his immediate removal from office. The decision to remove the president from office was unanimous, with all eight Constitutional Court justices voting in favor, 8–0.

The ruling came 111 days after the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon, accusing him of treason for declaring martial law on Dec. 3.

Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae began reading the reasoning for their ruling at 11 a.m., and the decision to remove Yoon from the presidency was finalized at 11:22 a.m.

“The respondent declared the martial law in question with the intent of overcoming a standoff with the National Assembly, then deployed military and police forces to obstruct the Assembly’s exercise of its constitutional authority, thereby denying the principles of popular sovereignty and democracy,” Moon said, emphasizing that Yoon abandoned his responsibility to safeguard the Constitution and gravely betrayed the trust of the sovereign people of the Republic of Korea.

“Given the significant negative impact and widespread repercussions of his violations of the constitutional order, it is recognized that the benefit of upholding the Constitution by removing the respondent from office far outweighs the national costs associated with dismissing a sitting president. Accordingly, the court issues the following unanimous decision: … Ruling: the respondent, President Yoon Suk Yeol, is hereby removed from office,” the acting chief justice read in the ruling.

There were no dissenting justices, and only a few expressed separate opinions on specific issues. This marks the first dismissal of a sitting president in Korea in eight years, following the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye in March 2017. Under Article 68 of the Constitution, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days of the court’s ruling.

In Park’s impeachment case, the Constitutional Court upheld the decision on March 10, 2017. Exactly 60 days later, on May 9, a presidential election was held, resulting in the victory of Moon Jae-in, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea.

With the impeachment ruling now issued, the 60-day deadline falls on Tuesday, June 3, making it highly likely that the presidential election will be held on that day or earlier.

Following Yoon’s immediate removal, he and first lady Kim Keon Hee must vacate the presidential residence in central Seoul’s Hannam-dong.

If they return to their previous home in southern Seoul, where they used to live before Yoon’s inauguration, security measures will be provided. Under the current law, an impeached president who fails to complete their term is entitled to up to 10 years of security protection.

Similarly, Park was only able to move to her private residence in southern Seoul two days after her impeachment ruling, due to the time needed to arrange security measures. Following the top court’s decision, acting President Han Duck-soo stated in a national address that he takes the unprecedented impeachment of a sitting head of state — the second in the nation’s constitutional history — with great gravity. He pledged to ensure there would be no gaps in national security and foreign affairs during his tenure as acting president.

He also emphasized his commitment to addressing ongoing economic and trade issues without disruption, maintaining public order, and thoroughly preparing for various disasters.

Yoon also issued a statement about three hours after the court’s ruling, saying, “It has been a great honor to serve the Republic of Korea.”

He continued, “I am deeply grateful to all of you who supported and encouraged me despite my many shortcomings. I am truly sorry and heartbroken that I could not live up to your expectations. I will always pray for our beloved nation, Korea.”

The chief of staff and all senior secretaries at the presidential office tendered their resignations later in the afternoon.Meanwhile, Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), expressed the party’s regret and apologies to the public following the impeachment ruling, saying the party takes the Constitutional Court’s decision seriously and humbly accepts it.

Speaking to reporters at the National Assembly, Kwon acknowledged that opinions may differ but emphasized, “We firmly believe that respecting this decision is the only way to uphold democracy and the rule of law. We see this as part of our society’s progress toward becoming a more mature democracy. Above all, I extend my deepest apologies to the people.”

He added that the party takes the public’s criticism and reprimands to heart and will accept them fully.

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, stated that his party will do its utmost to ensure that the tragedy of constitutional disruption is never repeated and that politics becomes a source of hope for the people and the nation.

“The court has ruled to remove former President Yoon, who destroyed the Constitution and threatened democracy and the public with the power and military force entrusted to him by the people,” Lee said in an emergency statement at the National Assembly. “The impeachment of a sitting president for the second time in our nation’s history is a tragedy that must never happen again. This is a moment for deep reflection and a profound sense of responsibility for everyone in politics, including myself.”

Lee further stated that Korea holds a unique place in world history as a nation where unarmed citizens peacefully succeeded in toppling authoritarian power, emphasizing that the country’s democracy has been revived by the will of the people.

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Abia CP warns against charging of cases to court without thorough investigation

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The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Danladi Isa has warned officers serving in the Command against engaging in abuse of power, unlawful detention of suspects and charging of cases to court without thorough investigation.

Stressing the need for thoroughness in stop-and-search operations, he urged officers to ensure professionalism, respect human rights and to strictly adhere to due process.

The Commissioner of Police stated this at the Police Officers’ Mess in Umuahia on Thursday, in commemoration of the National Police Day celebration.

CP Isa, who held a strategic conference with officers of the Command, including Area Commanders, DPOs, HODs and Tactical Team Commanders, urged officers to uphold the highest standards of service, reflecting the evolving modern Nigeria Police Force of international standard.

He also encouraged routine stakeholders’ engagement, educating members of the public against the rising cases of mob action.

In the spirit of the National police Day celebration, the CP honored the two recently retired officers, ACP Uduak Isaac and ACP Afokwalam Gabriel Nneji for their meritorious service to their father land.

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Police arrests man for stabbing Emir Sanusi’s guard to death during Eid prayer

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The Kano State Police Command has apprehended a 20-year-old suspect, Usman Sagiru, from Sharifai Quarters, in connection with the deadly stabbing of a vigilante member who was part of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II’s entourage after the Eid prayers on Sunday, March 30.

The incident took place around 12:40 pm as worshippers were leaving the Eid prayer ground. According to police reports, Sagiru, along with other suspects who remain at large, attacked the vigilantes, fatally stabbing Surajo Rabiu, a member from Sabon Titi Jaba Quarters.

Rabiu later succumbed to his injuries, while another vigilante, Aminu Suleman from Kofar Mata Quarters, sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving medical care at the Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital.

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects involved in the attack. As part of the ongoing probe, Shamakin Kano, Alhaji Wada Isyaku, has also been invited for questioning.

The Kano State Police Command has reiterated its firm ban on Durbar celebrations, warning that any violations will result in legal action. The authorities emphasized their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against thuggery (Daba) and any activities that could disrupt public order.

“We appeal to the public to stay calm and cooperate with the police as we strive to maintain peace and security in Kano State,” the police statement concluded.

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