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NAF Mourns 25 Lives Lost In NAF 931 Aircraft Accident

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The Source
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Sunday Kelvin Aneke

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has expressed profound condolences to the families of the personnel and passengers who lost their lives following the accident involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR 42 aircraft, NAF 931, in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State. The CAS described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation, expressing heartfelt sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those who lost their lives. He assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support during this difficult period.

 

NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers. The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred. Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found. The crew members were:

 

CREW

1. Squadron Leader MI Aburime (Flight Captain)

2. Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje (Co-pilot)

3. Flight Lieutenant IS Bako (Co-pilot)

4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A (Aircraft Technician)

5. Corporal Uguru HC (Aircraft Technician)

 

PASSENGERS

6. Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus

7. Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye

8. Flying Officer IM Adeshina

9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F

10. Master Warrant Officer Matini BA

11. Warrant Officer Nuhu FS

12. Flight Sergeant James RB

13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI

14. Sergeant Ani AE

15. Sergeant Izibenikien SI

16. Sergeant Alafuka C

17. Sergeant Mbadugha AN

18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC

19. Lance Corporal Eledan GE

20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka

21. Godstmine Tarabina

22. Joy Micheal

23. Sunday Micheal

24. Ukeme David

25. Gideon Omotola

 

The CAS has directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the accident. The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families. A condolence register has also been opened at Headquarters Nigerian Air Force, Abuja, for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies, and other well-wishers who may wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

 

Ehimen Ejodame

Air Commodore

Director of Public Relations and Information

Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force

 

6 October 2026

NOTAP Holds  Innovation Summit In Lagos

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The Source
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NOTAP Summit in Lagos

The National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, NOTAP, will tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, hold the second edition of its Technology and Innovation Summit, NTIS 2.0, in Lagos.

The two-day summit, scheduled for October 7 and 8 at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, is expected to bring together policymakers, technology experts, innovators, researchers, startups, investors and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.

The summit will feature ministerial and keynote addresses, high-level policy dialogues, technical sessions, innovation exhibitions, strategic breakout sessions, startup showcases and stakeholder engagements.

Key areas of focus will include research commercialisation and technology transfer, intellectual property management and protection, innovation financing and investment, artificial intelligence and workforce transformation, local content development and technology sovereignty, as well as international collaboration in science, technology and innovation.

According to NOTAP, the summit is designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and explore opportunities in research collaboration, technology exchange, capacity development, investment promotion and innovation partnerships.

The event is expected to provide a platform for discussions on how Nigeria can strengthen its technology ecosystem, promote local innovation and harness emerging technologies for economic development.

Pilot Of Ill-fated Military Aircraft Died Few Days After Wedding

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Airforce Pilot

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The family and brand new wife of Nigerian Air Force pilot, Squadron Leader Ahamefule Aham Man Ugwueje, one of the victims of Nigerian Air Force aircraft which crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Monday are in deep mourning.

 

The  Officer was among the 25 people confirmed dead. Sadly, he wedded his sweetheart, Flight Lt. Damilola Adekunle, at an elaborate ceremony on September 19 in Abuja. He was the co-pilot.

 

The aircraft, identified as NAF 931, was on a routine flight from Benin City, Edo State to Lagos when it crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda on Monday, October 5.

 

The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that all 25 people on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers, died in the incident.

 

Ugwueje was listed among the five crew members who died in the crash.

 

Following the incident, the Nigerian Air Force ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

 

The death of Man Ugwueje, coming less than three weeks after his wedding, has left his family, colleagues and others who attended the ceremony heartbroken.

Makinde Presidential Ambition Is Smokescreen For Negotiation – Sen Alli

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Sharafadeen Alli

By Ayodele Oni 

 

The Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation in Oyo state has described Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition as dead on arrival.

 

Makinde is contesting for the presidency under the banner of the Allied Peoples Movement,  (APM).

 

The senator pointed out that the latest commendation of President Bola Tinubu by Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has further exposed the emptiness of the governor’s presidential project.

 

Governor Mohammed, who is the national leader of APM, publicly acknowledged that President Tinubu has “done so well” in several areas, particularly finance, health and security.

 

A statement by Bisi Oladele, Director Media and Publicity for Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation (SSACO), said for the pillar of Makinde’s own political camp to be truthful in publicly acknowledging the achievements of the President spoke louder than all the contrived rhetoric coming from the Makinde presidential campaign.

 

“The question Nigerians should now ask is simple: if one of the principal promoters of Makinde’s presidential ambition truthfully admits that President Tinubu is doing well, what exactly is the justification for Makinde asking Nigerians to replace the President?

 

“The contradiction is glaring. Governor Mohammed deserves commendation for having the courage to acknowledge the truth, rather than engaging in opposition for opposition’s sake.

 

“His remarks merely confirm what millions of Nigerians can increasingly see: President Tinubu’s reforms are producing results, strengthening the fiscal position of states and enabling governments at the subnational level to undertake development projects.

 

“For Governor Makinde, however, the political message could not be clearer. His presidential campaign is collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions before the real contest has even begun.

 

“We have always maintained that Makinde’s so-called presidential ambition appears less like a serious pathway to Aso Rock and more like a political bargaining chip designed to enhance his negotiating position in the unfolding 2027 political equation.”

 

Alli noted that Makinde’s candidacy is increasingly becoming clearer as a smokescreen for negotiation, more like an attempt to arrive at the political bargaining table claiming a national following that simply does not exist.

 

“How does a candidate seriously expect Nigerians to believe he can defeat an incumbent president when prominent leaders within his own political family are publicly applauding that President’s performance?

 

“Even more instructive is the fact that Governor Mohammed had previously endorsed Makinde and described him as the leader Nigeria needed. 

 

“His latest acknowledgement of President Tinubu’s performance therefore raises legitimate political questions about the cohesion, conviction and sustainability of the so-called coalition behind Makinde.

Seyi Makinde
Governor Seyi Makinde

“Makinde may continue to erect billboards, commission campaign offices and make grandiose declarations about ‘resetting’ Nigeria, but politics is ultimately about structures, numbers, credibility and alliances.

 

“A presidential candidate whose own political allies are validating the achievements of the incumbent has a serious credibility problem,” the campaign organisation said.

 

“The Alli Campaign Organisation, therefore, advises Governor Makinde to concentrate on accounting for his stewardship in Oyo State and preparing for the transition of power in 2027 rather than using an improbable presidential project to distract the people from the issues confronting his administration.

 

“The people of Oyo State are more interested in his legacy —the state’s debt profile, the condition of the local economy, infrastructure, education, healthcare and the welfare of workers—than in a presidential adventure whose political foundations are already crumbling.

 

“Governor Makinde is free to aspire to the highest office in the land. That is his constitutional right. But he should not mistake ambition for viability, publicity for popularity or political bargaining for a genuine national movement.”

NAF Confirms 25 Persons On Board Of Crashed Aircraft, Releases Names Of victims

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Site of Military plane crash in Ondo

By Ayodele Oni

 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has confirmed that 25 persons including crew members were on board of an NAF ATR-42 aircraft which crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State on Monday.

 

This is just as NAF published the names of 25 people who died in the crash.

 

The aircraft, with registration number NAF 931, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

 

The NAF, in a statement issued by its Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Tuesday, said the aircraft had five crew members and 20 passengers on board.

 

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the victims.

 

Aneke described the incident as “a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation,” assuring the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.

 

The statement said, “NAF 931 had 25 persons on board, comprising five crew members and 20 passengers.

 

“The aircraft was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the accident occurred.

 

Search-and-rescue procedures were immediately activated, with response efforts conducted in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for all persons on board. No survivors have been found.”

 

Crew

Squadron Leader MI Aburime — Flight Captain

Squadron Leader AP Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot

Flight Lieutenant IS Bako — Co-pilot

Warrant Officer Abubakar A — Aircraft Technician

Corporal Uguru HC — Aircraft Technician

Passengers

Flight Lieutenant TL Lazarus

Flight Lieutenant M Akinloye

Flying Officer IM Adeshina

Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F

Master Warrant Officer Matini BA

Warrant Officer Nuhu FS

Flight Sergeant James RB

Flight Sergeant Mohammed AI

Sergeant Ani AE

Sergeant Izibenikien SI

Sergeant Alafuka C

Sergeant Mbadugha AN

Lance Corporal Ugwuba FC

Lance Corporal Eledan GE

Mrs Ezeh Nneka

Godstmine Tarabina

Joy Micheal

Sunday Micheal

Ukeme David

Gideon Omotola

The NAF said the Chief of the Air Staff had directed a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.

 

“The Nigerian Air Force will continue to provide timely and verified updates as the investigation progresses and urges the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families,” the statement added.

 

The Service also announced that a condolence register has been opened at its headquarters in Abuja for government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers wishing to pay their respects to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.

Police Arraign Two Women for Cyberstalking Access Bank

By
The Source
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Roosevelt Ogbonna - Access Bank MD

The Police prosecuting counsel Stanley Nwafoaku from the Directorate of legal services of Federal Criminal Investigation Department of Nigeria Police Force Alagbon Ikoyi Lagos today, arraigned two ladies alleged to have considered together to cause the transmission of false publication concerning Access bank to the effect that the lender is shutting down its operations.

When the three count charge were read to them, the two Defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Thereafter Barrister Nwafoaku urged the court to remand them in the custody of Nigerian correctional services and fix a date for trial.

However,!Cyhtia Nwanpu who stood in for Ifenna Okeke counsel for both defendants, asked for a short date to file a  formal bail application. The presiding Judge,Akintayo Aluko, while remanding the defendants in custody of the Nigerian correctional services, adjourned till 25th of November 2026 for trial pending when the defence counsel should have filed bail application,!which will be given expeditious hearing.

 

The charge as filed before the court by the Police prosecuting counsel.

 

FHC/L/CR/773/2026

 

COUNT ONE

That you. IDORENYIN SAMUEL UMOBH and FINENESS MONDAY ESU, on or about the 28th day of July 2026, in Lagos. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves and with other persons now at large to Knowingly transmit and cause the transmission of a false publication through the means of Computer systems and networks, concerning Access Bank Plc, to the effect that the Bank was shutting down its operations with effect from 23rd September 2026 and that all customers should close their accounts and withdraw their funds, and act done for the purpose of causing a break of law and order. and thereby committed an offence of Conspiracy, Contrary and Punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of THE CYBERCRIMES (PROHIBLIION, PREVENTION,ACT.) ACT, 2015 (AS AMENDED IN 2024),

 

COUNT TWO

That you. IDORENYIN SAMUEL UMOH and FINENESS MONDAY ESU. on or about the 28th day of July 2026, in Lagos. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly and intentionally sent and caused the transmission, through Facebook and WhatsApp. of a publication, which you knew to be false, representing that Access Bank Plc was shutting down its banking operating effect from 23rd September 2026 and urging members of the public and customers of the Bank to close their accounts and withdraw their funds, an act done for the purpose of causing of breakdown of Law and order, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 24(1)(b) and punishable under Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended  2024).

 

COUNT THREE

That you. IDORENYIN SAMIUEL UMOH and FINENESS MONDAY ESU. on or about the 28th day of July 2026. within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, knowingly of having reason to believe that the same was false. published and or reproduced a statement. rumour or report to the  Access Bank Plc was shutting down its operations effective 23rd September 2026 and that customers should close their accounts and withdraw their funds. which publication was likely to cause fear and alarm to the public and disturb the public peace and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004,

Uzodimma Meets President Tinubu, Says Meeting Productive

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0

By Adesina Soyooye 

 

Snippets from the meeting between President Bola Tinubu and the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State have gradually been made public by the Governor.

 

President Tinubu, while in Lagos, met with  Uzodinma, on Sunday during which Mr President urged State Governors to  ensure Nigerians feel the impact of his administration’s reforms.

 

Briefing Journalists after the meeting, Uzodinma said his visit to Lagos was to update the President on developments in the country while he was on working visit to Europe.

 

It is not  known if he briefed the President on the cold relationship between the PGF and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike or not, but the Governor said he had “a very quality conversation,” with the President. 

 

Uzodimma: “We had a very quality conversation, and he is now aware of the things that happened while he was away and the efforts of the Governors of Progressive Forum in making sure that Nigerians are properly aware of the achievements of his government and the policies.

 

The meeting, he said,  also focused on the administration’s campaign to highlight its reforms, which added would begin almost immediately.

 

Uzodima: “I referred straight to our campaign outing, which will start almost immediately since he is now back. So it was a quality conversation, a quality meeting I had with Mr. President.”

 

Uzodimma noted also that the focus of the President’s reform agenda has shifted from implementation to ensuring that Nigerians benefit directly from the policies.

 

He said: “We have already taken cue from that broadcast, and that is exactly what we are doing. The reform policy has moved from implementation to ensuring that the people of Nigeria get the dividends of the reform policy itself

“

The Governor pointed at   the impact of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as an area where the benefits of the reforms should be passed on to Nigerians.

 

He said: “The advantage of having CNG buses sent to Nigerians through the various agents, that the savings made should not be as huge as it occurred now. The transporters and commuters should also be responsible in ensuring that since the cost of transportation has been reduced by the introduction of CNG, that they should now also reduce the fare they charge passengers. That way, it becomes a win-win situation.”

 

State Governments Uzodimma said, will not just praise the reforms but would work to ensure that their impact reaches ordinary Nigerians.

 

He said: “So we are not going to only sit here and sing the songs of reform. We are going to make sure that the benefits.”

 

Using the financial position of Imo State as an example, the Governor pointed out what he called the positive impact of Tinubu’s policies on state governments.

 

When he took over the governorship of Imo State in 2021, Uzodinma recalled, the state found it very difficult to meet its financial obligations after paying workers’ salaries.

 

Uzodimma: “In 2021, I became the Governor without President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his reform policies. It was difficult at the end of every month after paying salaries. That is, if we managed to pay salaries, to have money to run the state.”

 

But no longer, he said.

 

Uzodimma: “Today, we pay salaries as we do and we have money to do all the achievements that we have recorded in the state. It is not only in my state. Every other state. Most of our Governors are very active, with a lot of projects here and there.

 

“We are grateful to Mr. President and his reform policies. And we are charged again to ensure the real benefits, that the real beneficiaries of the reform policy are the people. That the masses will feel the impact. That these policies, the dividends, should be impactful.”

Military Plane Crash: President Tinubu Declares 3-Day Mourning, Orders Flag Flown At Half-mast

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Helicopter crash

By Adesina Soyooye

 

A devastated President and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces,  Bola Tinubu, has declared a three-day mourning for the  32 people who perished when a military aircraft crashed on Monday, October 5 in Ondo State. He also ordered that all flags be flown at half-mast in honour of the dead.

 

Nigeria witnessed its worst plane crash in 2026 when the Airforce jet                which took off from Benin on what has been said to be a routine mission to Lagos, lost contact with the control tower, not too long after it took off and crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo State.

 

Sadly, there was no survivor as the 32 souls were lost. The terrain of the scene was difficult to access as the ill-fated aircraft plunged into a swampy area in the coastal community.

 

While it is not confirmed, yet, if  bodies have been recovered, eye witnesses confirm that body parts and personal effects have been seen scattered in the river.  The identities of those on board have not been made public but they would be a combination of officers and other ranks.

 

President Tinubu  has ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. It will be accelerated when the black box is recovered. That will give a clearer picture of  what exactly happened before the final crash of the aircraft.

Gospel Musician, Kolawole Okanlawon Dies …GOMAN, Colleagues Mourn Over Loss

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0
Kolawole Okanlawon

By Akinwale Kasali

 

The Nigeria Gospel Music Community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden passing of Gospel Singer and Choir Master of Celestial Church of Christ, CCC, Winners Parish, Lagos State.

 

Okanlanwon’s death came as a shock to many of his colleagues, fans, Choir Members, Parish Members, Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria, GOMAN, and the entire CCC Worldwide.

 

His death was announced and confirmed by Gospel Singer, Esther Igbekele, who posted on Instagram Page on Social Media of the passing of Okanlawon on Monday, October 5.

 

Struggling to hide her grief, Igbekele described his death as more than a “rude shock”.

 

She recalled that they were together recently during her last trip to the United Kingdom, making his sudden death even harder to process.

 

In her tribute, Igbekele described life as fragile and unpredictable while remembering the moments they shared.

 

She also said the Esther Igbekele Music Organisation would miss Okanlawon, and his presence would not be forgotten.

 

Her emotional tribute read in part: “I still find it difficult to believe that I am writing this about your demise”.

 

She however prayed for comfort for his family and everyone who loved him.

 

While news of Okanlawon’s death has been confirmed by his colleague, the circumstances surrounding his death remained unknown, as GOMAN has also announced his death, praying for the repose of his soul, and that God will give his families and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.

 

The Social Media has however awashed with his demise following Igbekele’s announcement of his demise on her Instagram Page, leading to her followers paying tribute to Okanlawon.

 

@okikiapotieri_official stated:

“Jesus Christ very sad news this morning OLUWA this guy can dance like never before I so much love his energy any time i see him with Mummy @estherigbekele Mama mi Accept my Condolences ma”.

 

@rokky_bash wrote:

“People just dey off, wetin dey happen sef? Abi rapture don start”.

Military Plane Crash: No Survivor, All Gone

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Helicopter crash

By Adesina Soyooye

 

All the 32 souls on board the ill-fated Nigerian Military Aircraft which crashed on Monday, October 5  2026 perished. Non survived.

 

The Aircraft, an ATR-42, which belonged to the Nigerian Airforce took off from Benin on a routine mission, but crashed in the coastal area of

Igbokoda, Ondo state. It was on its way to Lagos when the sad incident happened.

 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa revealed that there was no survivor when he appeared on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme anchored by Seun Okinbaloye.

 

Aviation Minister,

Festus Keyamo, SAN, had earlier said that he was alerted of the disappearance of the Aircraft  by  air traffic controllers identified by tail number NGR 931, at 0913 hours.

 

He said all efforts  to reach the crew by radio failed before information confirmed that it had crashed.

 

The Minister aĺso disclosed that there were  25 passengers and 7 crew members on board.

 

The wreckage of the Aircraft was found close to the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ondo state.

 

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in a statement signed by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the location of the crash site and said rescue operations were already underway. Sadly, rescue efforts turned to recovery efforts.

 

President Bola Tinubu while lamenting the incident has deeply mourned the loss of lives, and ordered a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.

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