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Helicopter crash: Black Box recovered, Search Continues For Missing Bodies

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The search and recovery team scouring the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima for the chopper that ditched on October 24, 2024, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder, FDR, and Cockpit Voice Recorder, CVR, from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG. Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, who disclosed this in a statement, said the team included the NNPC, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy and HydroDive. Oladeji stated that the black box was retrieved early Friday morning. The statement reads: “NSIB, in conjunction with the Search and Recovery partners NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024. The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident. “Since the accident, NSIB and its Search and Recovery partners have coordinated a search and recovery effort in collaboration with local and international partners to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased and the critical components necessary for a comprehensive investigation. The FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved early this morning. This device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident. The recovered recorder has been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab. It will undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists to gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident and to help determine the cause of the accident. “As of today, three individuals remain unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners. NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. commended the recovery teams and stressed the importance of the investigation: “The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident. The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations. While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident.” Vanguard  

Protesters Storm National Assembly, Demand Kyari’s Sacking

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  A group, the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has called for immediate investigations into alleged sabotage against the plan to turn around the petroleum refineries in the country. This is just as the group demanded the immediate removal from office of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, noting that his management of the oil industry has done more to the local refineries than good. In a protest rally at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Friday, the coalition of Civil Society Organisations said policies formulated by the NNPCL to reposition the oil sector are merely profit-driven but “Obstructs local initiatives designed to support energy self-sufficiency and job creation.” Addressing journalists at the event, the national spokesperson of the group, Segun Adebayo, asked President Bola Tinubu to caution the NNPCL leadership to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. He said, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose Premium Motor Spirit importation on Nigeria. This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain. Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, and this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo. “We must hold accountable those who prioritise personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international oil market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours. “Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, have invested heavily in local refineries to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritising imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.” “We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria; hence, we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership, led by Mele Kyari, to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. The President should immediately authorise an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.” Also speaking, the national coordinator of the group, Benjamin James, called on the authorities to allow the sale of crude to local refineries in naira. He said, “One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the naira. A shift to selling crude oil domestically in naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritising its local industries and economic sovereignty. “Such a policy will empower local investors, encourage growth in the refinery sector, create jobs, and reduce fuel prices domestically. It will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and make us more resilient to external economic pressures. The time has come for Nigeria to take ownership of its resources and ensure that our natural wealth benefits the Nigerian people rather than a select few.” The group also called for the sack of the NNPCL’s boss, threatening to take the protest to the 36 states of the federation if their demand was not met. “We are here today at the National Assembly to demand that our representatives stand with the Nigerian people. We call for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. His leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy. “If the government does not act, NICOCSO here today, pledge to continue this advocacy, rallying every day across the 36 States to make our voices heard. We will not stand down until this administration addresses our demands for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL. Our economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people depend on decisive action against those who hinder our path toward energy independence,” he added.

Hon Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Oyo State NUJ Chairman Over Mother’s Demise

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Adeleke Maria    The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general election in Oyo State, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has commiserated with the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, over the passage of his mother, Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola. Madam Aweni Wulemot Babalola died at the age of 76 years on Saturday November 2, 2024 and was buried on Sunday November 3, 2024, according to Islamic rites. Hon Segelu, the Germany-based, Ibadan-born businessman, politician and ICT consultant, in a statement he issued, expressed sadness over the sudden departure of Madam Aweni Babalola. Segelu in a copy of the message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State, extends heartfelt condolences to Comrade Ademola Babalola and other members of the family. The statement reads: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Ademola Babalola, Oyo NUJ Chiarman and other members of the family over the loss of their Matriarch Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola, May God continue to be with the rest of the family and grant Mama Aljanna Firdous. “It is my prayer that God Almighty will grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable and painful loss. “Until her death, Mama was a devoted Muslim and respected Otun Iya Adeen of Palupo Muslim Community in Ona Ara Local Government area of Oyo State, and it is my belief that you’re a good testimony of the good legacies of Mama, and I pray that God will strengthen you to be able to sustain all these legacies she left behind. “Please accept my sincere condolences.” The deceased is survived by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, Dies At 63

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  The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, has passed away after a brief illness. The sad news was confirmed on Tuesday by the Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Olanike Adegoke. In a statement released by the judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Oba, Adegoke paid tribute to the late Chief Judge, describing him as “a respected jurist who dedicated his life to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.” “The contributions of the late CJ to the judiciary and Ekiti State as a whole are immeasurable. His legacy will be deeply missed,” Adegoke stated. Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, Ekiti East Local Government Area, Justice Adeyeye was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He was appointed Chief Judge of Ekiti State in October 2021, a role in which he served with distinction until his passing.  

Leave Abuja-Kano Road project, FG Orders Julius Berger

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  The Federal Ministry of Works has directed Julius Berger, the contractor handling Section One rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, to evacuate the project site. This followed a 14-day final termination notice issued to the company on Monday, dismissing any possibility of further negotiations. The ministry said the termination was based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work, and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed. It noted that negotiations had been ongoing for several months without any significant progress. A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, disclosed this information on Monday in Abuja, stressing that the decision was reached during a management meeting of the ministry at its headquarters. Recall that the works ministry had in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail. The latest development follows an earlier threat by the minister to revoke the contract that was awarded to the company in 2018 when former President Muhammadu Buhari was in power. While the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is almost done, the Abuja-Kaduna section has recorded 27 per cent progress in six years. At an event penultimate week, Umahi accused Julius Berger of playing politics with the highway to make the current administration look bad. Despite these efforts, an agreement was not reached between both parties, with the construction company not attending the scheduled meeting on Monday. The statement read in part, “Based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), today, November 4, 2024. “Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three Sections was awarded to the company on December 20, 2017, and flagged off by the former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola at an initial sum of N155.75bn on June 18, 2018. Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria – Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. “Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement, while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. “Approval for Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38km on the concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127km remained with the substantive contractor. Phase 1 was flagged off on October 17, 2024, with a 14-month completion period.” Mohammed further explained that a request to rescope the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council but the contract’s terms were not agreed upon by the contractor. He added, “Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of President Bola Tinubu, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council. “The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger Plc from the sum of N797.26bn to N740.79bn was granted by FEC on September 23, 2024, and conveyed to the company on October 3, 2024.” With the latest development, this means the Works Minister, David Umahi has revoked 11 contracts in 16 months.   Punch

PDP Condemns APC’s Attack On Gov Makinde•••Says APC’s Lifespan Ends Feb. 2027

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  Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) attack on Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for speaking out for the Nigerian masses, who have been subjected to untold hardship by this administration. Describing the attack as reckless, insensitive and reprehensible display of arrogance in failure, PDP, which pointed out that the life span of APC ends in February 2027, added that the ruling party is a party of “political vampires, ” who thrive and relish in “sucking the blood” of citizens and foisting excruciating pain and hardship on Nigerians. PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, further described the APC as a haven of power-grabbers, treasury looters and manipulators who are only out to “grab, snatch and run” with our national patrimony at the expense of millions of our citizens. The PDP said that the attack on Governor Makinde also confirms that the APC is jittery that its days are numbered as Nigerians have seen through its lies, subterfuge, falsehood, suppressive policies and crass incompetence in governance. “Governor Makinde remains a credible and effective leader with astonishing record of performance not only in prioritizing the needs of the people of Oyo State as evident in the numerous development projects in the State but also working with other governors elected on the platform of the PDP in the quest for development, sustenance of democracy and resistance to APC’s scheme to turn Nigeria into a One-Party State. “It is indeed an assault on the sensibility of Nigerians that in the midst of worsening insecurity, biting economic hardship, widespread hunger and starvation, comatose infrastructure, crippled productive sector, weakened currency, closure of millions of businesses with over 36% unemployment rate, hopelessness and general despondency all occasioned by the irresponsible anti-people policies of the APC administration, the APC is living in alternate reality, arrogantly claiming that Nigeria is ‘on the cusp of prosperity.’ “Our Party finds it preposterous that the APC thinks that it can continue to hoodwink citizens with lies and harvest of false performance claims when it has failed on all fronts, reversed all the gains made in the 16 years of the PDP in governance and turned our once economically thriving nation into the poverty capital of the world, where over 100 million Nigerians are no longer able to afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life. “Today, under the APC voodoo economy, the Naira which exchanged for N168 to the Dollar under the PDP now exchanges for almost N2,000 per Dollar, petrol which sold for N87 per liter now sells for over N1,500 in various parts of the country; a bag of rice which sold for N8,000 now sells for over N100,000, a measure of beans which sold for N250 now sells for N3,800 while a measure of garri which sold for N100 now sells for N1,500. “More distressing is that while Nigerians are experiencing harrowing hardship, corrupt APC leaders are busy looting the nation’s treasury to fund their luxury appetite and consumption. “It is therefore not surprising that as the day progresses toward 2027, the APC is resorting to manipulation of data, politicization of issues and personal attacks on outspoken Nigerians as being witnessed in its outburst against Governor Makinde,” the party said. The PDP added that “such attacks by the APC cannot fly as Governor Makinde and indeed other PDP governors are massively delivering on their mandates as being witnessed in the astounding infrastructural, human capital and citizen empowerment projects going on in PDP States to the admiration of Nigerians. Indeed PDP States continue to be Oasis of Development compared to APC controlled States.” The PDP cautioned the APC to end its shenanigans, accept failure and come to terms with the fact that “its lifespan in the face of abysmal failure in governance cannot last beyond February 2027 when the PDP and Nigerians will send it to political oblivion where the APC contraption truly belongs.” •INDEPENDENTNG.

Tinubu Orders Immediate Release Of Minors Arraigned Over Protest

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  President Bola Tinubu has directed that all the minors arrested and facing prosecution in court over their alleged involvement in the #EndBadGovernance protest should immediately be released without prejudice to the law. President Tinubu also directed the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to see the welfare of the minors. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents, in Abuja. The Minister said that the President said that all the law enforcement agents involved in the arrest, detention and prosecution of the minors be investigated and anyone found culpable, would face appropriate disciplinary action.  

Army Arrest 24 Suspected Oil Thieves, Recover 700,000 Litres Of Stolen Crude

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  Operatives of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army working closely with other security agencies have arrested 24 suspected oil thieves, recovering 700,000 liters of stolen crude in the Niger Delta Region. The army in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma on Sunday disclosed that the feats were achieved following successful operations conducted from October 28 to November 3, 2024, several. According to Danjuma, the operations led to the deactivation of 29 illegal refining sites and destruction of 14 boats used for stealing crude. The Army highlighted that in Rivers State, it’s troops intercepted one massive wooden boat ladened with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude around Kula general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), as six suspects connected to the crime were also arrested. Around Kula general area, one massive wooden boat with over 50,000 litres of crude was intercepted in addition to the deactivation of three illegal refining sites with several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen AGO. Danjuma further noted that the troops around Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku – Toru LGA, destroyed 10 illegal refining sites, confiscating over 400,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). At Rukpoku pipeline, following credible intelligence, the troops intercepted two spatially constructed tanker truck with the capacity to carry 15,000 litres each stealing products at the pipeline. The army also disclosed that it’s crackdown on criminals was also extended to the notorious Imo River stretch, Bille in Degema, Egbelom Forest and Obiafu Oil Field, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA with several arrests, deactivating illegal refining sites and effecting several seizures. In Bayelsa State, along Boma creek in Southern Ijaw, the troops deactivated two illegal refining sites, with a storage facility containing over 2,500 litres of stolen crude, as well as intercepted two wooden boats with over 2,500 litres of stolen products. The 6 Division Spokesperson further stated that in Southern Ijaw, at Obughene creek, one illegal refining site with a storage facility containing over 4,500 litres of stolen crude was handled accordingly, while in West Boma creek, one illegal refining site was destroyed with over 3,000 litres of stolen products recovered. In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry with Reg Nos AYB 704 FQ and KY 379 EB loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in 60 nylon bags and 25 nylon bags respectively, estimated to be over 3,000 litres, adding two persons were arrested in the vehicles. According to Lt. Col. Danjuma, the troops along road Ikot Abasi – Abak, intercepted one Toyota Camry with Reg No KTS 277 LN loaded with 30 nylon bags of illegally refined AGO, adding that the driver was also arrested. In Delta State, several operations were conducted, where troops intercepted a tricycle at Beneku, conveying stolen iron pipes at a Community in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA. The pipes were suspected to be stolen from Oando non operational pipelines. One suspect, Stanley Asikewe who is notorious for illegally cutting iron pipes along side the tricycle operator, Jerry Okwuagu have been taken into custody. The troops acting on tip off discreetly swooped on on an illegal storage dump at Patani town, in Patani LGA. of Delt dump contained over 40 jerricans of 25 litres of stolen products. Likewise at Uro Community waterways in Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted one wooden boat conveying over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit. According to the army the occupants of the wooden boats fled on sighting troops. Around Opete Sand beach at Aladja general area in Udu LGA, troops discovered one makeshift shop by the River bank stocked with several jerricans of stolen AGO. All the people arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution, while products confiscated have been handled accordingly inline with subsisting operational mandate. Lt Col Danjuma relayed the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam’s commendation of the troops for their successes, urging them to continue to sustain the tempo in order to clear the region of criminal elements. Major General Abdussalam also called on critical stakeholders, particularly the community leaders to take ownership of the fight against illegal oil bunkering in the region..   •INDEPENDENTNG.

Stop Circulating 10-Year-Old Videos About Den Of Criminals In Oyo – Govt

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  It has come to the notice of Oyo State Government that some old videos about kidnappers’ dens in Ibadan are being re-circulated by mischief makers as if they are recent ones. These videos are not recent because the incidents they depict happened in 2014 and 2019. They should, therefore, be discountenanced. One of the videos shows kidnappers’ dens in Soka area of Ibadan, while the other is about an illegal rehabilitation centre in Olore, Ojoo, Ibadan. It is public knowledge that the Soka incident happened in March 2014 – more than ten years ago. The second one on a supposed rehabilitation centre in Ojoo, Ibadan, was uncovered in 2019 – more than five years ago. The intention of those circulating the old videos and passing them off as new is to create unnecessary panic in the state. The government urges the mischief makers to stop their antics while we also call on members of the public not to help them push their evil agenda of creating fear among the populace. The Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration in Oyo State remains resolute on its commitment to ensuring the security and safety of everyone in the state. Oyo State Government has invested heavily in security infrastructure and is determined to do even more to ensure round the clock safety of lives and properties in the state. The government, again, urges members of the public to disregard the videos, one of which is over ten-years old, the other more than five-years old. The people should go about their normal businesses without any form of fear.

NDLEA Confiscated Cocaine Worth N4 Billion At Lagos Airport

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  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over N4 billion worth of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Lagos that operatives confiscated the consignments in 845 wraps on October 29. He added that the consignments, weighing 18.72 kilogrammes, were concealed in two lavatories of an Ethiopian-bound flight and that they were found during post-landing cleaning of the cabin. Mr Babafemi said the illicit consignments were wrapped in polythene bags and hidden in the waste collectors in the two rear lavatories of the aircraft when they were recovered. He said that operatives have interrogated at least 30 suspects in connection with the seizure. “Investigations revealed that the seized drugs were conveyed from Brazil to Ethiopia through ingestion and excreted in Addis Ababa by a set of couriers. “While some other traffickers picked them up and attempted to smuggle them into Nigeria through the Lagos Airport before their attempt was frustrated with the cooperation of the airline’s authorities and other airport stakeholders,” Mr Babafemi said. He further said the agency’s operatives also thwarted traffickers’ attempt to export 2.928kg cocaine, cannabis and tramadol 225mg concealed in body cream containers, including pieces of artwork, to Australia, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. The NDLEA spokesman said the syndicate had attempted to use some courier companies in Lagos to export the drug before officers blocked them. Mr Babafemi said other consignments, comprising 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen 225mg worth N525,000,000, were intercepted at the Apapa seaport in Lagos on October 29. He said the items were part of a targeted and watch-listed container from India, seized during a joint examination with men of the Customs Service and other security agencies.

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