Oshiomhole Denies Impropriety in Viral Jet Video, Says Footage Was Misrepresented

Oshiomhole Denies Impropriety in Viral Jet Video, Says Footage Was Misrepresented

Abuja — Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole has dismissed allegations of impropriety arising from a viral video showing him aboard a private jet with a lady, describing the footage as a misrepresentation of events and urging Nigerians to disregard what he termed “needless sensationalisation.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the lawmaker said he was aware of widespread public reactions to the short clip circulating on social media, many of which were negative. He maintained that the video did not accurately reflect what transpired and insisted that he would not engage in reckless displays of wealth or private conduct as a public office holder.

Providing context, Oshiomhole said his interaction with the lady in the video, identified as Leshaan Da Gama, a South African influencer and adult content creator, was strictly professional and connected to a personally funded initiative aimed at protecting and promoting Nigeria’s sovereign integrity.

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According to the senator, he reached out to Da Gama because of her wide digital reach and influence, not because of the nature of her content. He explained that the engagement was part of a broader rebranding and diplomatic effort designed to counter what he described as sustained international narratives alleging a “genocide against Christians in Nigeria,” particularly from the United States government.

Oshiomhole noted that South Africa’s firm response to similar allegations in the past informed his decision to enlist a South African influencer for the project. He said the initiative, which he stressed was funded entirely by him, would rely on messaging produced and disseminated through Nigeria’s Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Our discussion was engaging, intellectually stimulating and productive,” the senator stated, adding that he expected the project to begin yielding results in due course.

Addressing the specific content of the viral video, Oshiomhole said there was mutual respect between him and Da Gama and that no inappropriate conduct occurred. He explained that during the flight, the influencer complained of a leg cramp and requested assistance.

“As I was seated closest to her, she politely asked that I help massage her foot to relieve the pain. That was all I did,” he said, adding that cabin crew later took over, though that portion was not captured in the circulating footage.

The senator expressed regret over the controversy generated by the clip and said he hoped his explanation would put an end to what he described as dramatic and misleading interpretations of a “harmless encounter.”

The video had sparked intense debate online, with critics questioning the propriety of a serving senator’s conduct aboard a private jet. Oshiomhole’s statement is the first detailed response addressing the incident since it went viral.

Oshiomhole Denies Impropriety in Viral Jet Video, Says Footage Was Misrepresented