The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has published its conclusive report regarding the helicopter crash that resulted in the tragic deaths of Herbert Wigwe, the former group CEO of Access Holdings Plc, along with his family and others.

The report indicates that the crash, which occurred on February 9, 2024, near the California-Nevada border, claimed the lives of all six individuals aboard, including Wigwe, his wife Doreen, their eldest son Chizi, and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group). The incident has been attributed to a mix of pilot disorientation and negligence on the part of the helicopter company.

The NTSB identified the pilot’s choice to continue flying under visual flight rules (VFR) despite facing instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) as the main cause of the accident. This decision resulted in the pilot experiencing spatial disorientation, ultimately leading to a loss of control and a crash into the terrain.

The report underscores that the pilot’s struggle to navigate effectively in such conditions significantly contributed to the catastrophe. Furthermore, it highlighted critical shortcomings in the company’s oversight and safety management practices, revealing that the helicopter company failed to ensure compliance with essential safety protocols. This included the proper completion and updating of flight risk assessments and thorough documentation of maintenance issues.

Additional findings from the report indicate that during the flight, the pilot had communicated with the company’s Director of Maintenance (DOM) regarding a malfunctioning radar altimeter, which remained inoperative despite efforts to repair it.

The NTSB also noted that upon arriving at the airport to collect passengers, the pilot and a company flight follower engaged in a phone conversation but neglected to address the radar altimeter’s status or current weather conditions, both critical factors for flight safety.

The report states, “The probable cause of this accident was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight into IMC, which led to spatial disorientation and the loss of control of the aircraft. Contributing factors include the company’s inadequate safety management oversight, failure to ensure proper documentation, and the malfunctioning radar altimeter.”

It further elaborates that during the return flight, the pilot texted the DOM about the radar altimeter issue. After reaching the company’s flight operations base, the pilot discussed the matter with the company flight follower, who also served as the company’s president. A mechanic attempted to troubleshoot the radar altimeter but was unable to resolve the issue, leaving it non-functional.

The mechanic confirmed that both the pilot and the DOM were aware of the radar altimeter’s condition yet proceeded with the flight at 6:22 PM to pick up the passengers. Approximately 40 minutes later, upon landing at the airport for passenger pickup, the pilot and flight follower had further discussions via phone and text but again did not address the radar altimeter’s status or weather conditions.

Boko Haram terrorists have murdered an army captain in the Izge community of the Gwoza Local Government Area in Borno State.

The assailants, who struck in the early hours of Wednesday, also killed a soldier.

Confirming the incident, the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, stated that the attackers stormed the area around 1am and engaged the troops.

“It is true that my people in the Izge community came under attack from Boko Haram around 1am. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the ultimate price.

“However, our gallant troops, along with the Civilian Joint Task Force, local hunters, vigilantes, and resilient community members, managed to kill three terrorists. The attackers abandoned their weapons and over ten motorcycles and are still on the run, while being pursued by our security personnel,” he said.

He offered prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives and commended the brave soldiers for coordinating with other security operatives to repel the attack.

“May Allah (SWT) grant the departed souls Jannatul Firdaus. Our courageous men are still in the bush, sacrificing their lives to maintain peace in society,” he remarked.

He also expressed gratitude to the Borno State governor, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, for providing logistical support to the security operatives, while urging the federal government to equip security personnel with technological advancements in warfare.

The North East region has been subjected to a series of attacks amid Boko Haram’s renewed onslaught.

On Saturday, Boko Haram terrorists attacked the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba LGA of Yobe State, resulting in the deaths of at least four soldiers and the destruction of numerous operational equipment.

This attack occurred less than 24 hours after the North East Governors Forum convened in the state capital, Damaturu, where they adopted a multifaceted approach to combat insurgency in the region.

Buni Yadi is situated approximately 65km from the Yobe State capital and is the hometown of the state governor, Mai Mala Buni.

The latest attack follows a recent charge from President Bola Tinubu to service chiefs to put an end to the killings.

By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command haa successfully arrested a notorious gun runner along Sokoto-Gusau highway and  recovered illegal arms and ammunition in his possession.

A statement by the spokesperson of the Police Command, ASP Ahmed Rufai said there officers 
attached to Tureta Police Station acted on credible intelligence while conducting “a stop-and-search operation”. 

“‘The operation led to the interception and arrest of Murtala Abubakar, a 45-year-old suspect from Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State””.

Continuing, ASP Rufai mentioned items recovered from the suspect to include,  
“”Four (4) locally fabricated rifles, Three (3) locally fabricated pistols, Sixteen (16) rounds of AK-47 ammunition and Three (3) rounds of G3 ammunition'””. 

While noting that the command remained committed to curbing crime and criminality, ASP Rufai reassured that their intensified efforts towards  mobbing up proliferation of illegal arms and fighting crime of all nature is paying off. 

The Police Spokesperson, Rufai who further noted that, the suspect and recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Sokoto, for further discreet investigation, quoted the Commissioner of Police Ahmed Musa as saying, “”This operation reflects our unwavering commitment to public safety. We urge citizens to continue providing timely intelligence to aid our efforts in dismantling criminal networks.”  

“”The Sokoto State Police Command remains dedicated to ensuring security across all communities and calls for sustained collaboration with residents to achieve lasting peace””. CP Musa appealed.