NIGERIA NEWS
Four Hospitalized as Skypower Express Aircraft Somersaults in Owerri
- A Skypower Express Cessna 172 aircraft crash-landed and somersaulted at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri after declaring an emergency while en route from Kaduna to Port Harcourt.
- All four occupants onboard were hospitalised, with no fatalities recorded.
- The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has launched a full investigation into the incident.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed a serious accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State.
The aircraft, operated by Skypower Express (registration 5N-ASR), was traveling from Kaduna to Port Harcourt when the crew declared an emergency and diverted to Owerri. At approximately 8:00 pm, the plane crash-landed and somersaulted on Runway 17.
NSIB’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Bimbo Oladeji, confirmed that “all four occupants of the aircraft were hospitalised following the incident, with no fatalities recorded”.
She further noted that despite the severity of the crash:
“There was no post-crash fire and that flight operations were not disrupted, as the runway remained active with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident,”.
NSIB Director-General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. stated that the bureau has “activated its investigation protocols and was coordinating with relevant authorities to secure the site”.
Technical teams are currently working to evacuate the wreckage for a detailed examination, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has challenged the federal and state governments to wake up to their duty of securing the nation and the people.
The NLC, leading affiliate unions in a street protest in Adamawa State on Wednesday, said no Nigerian is safe anywhere.
President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Comrade Muhammad Ibrahim, who represented the NLC President at the Yola protest, said, “Our students are not safe; our farmers are not secured; we can’t sleep in our homes.”
He added that while many families lose their loved ones to kidnappers because they have no money for ransom, some other families sell all they possess to pay ransom and then slip into greater socio-economic vulnerability in a country where the level of poverty is already very high.
He stressed that the scourge of insecurity is tearing the nation apart, adding, “Government at all levels must wake up to their primary responsibility of securing our people.”
A staff member of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has given details of the plane crash that occured at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, SMICA, Owerri, Imo State.
Naija News reports that a chartered aircraft, with call sign, ASR, registration number 5N-SKR, a C-172 aircraft operated by Sky Power Kaduna, crashed at about 8pm Tuesday night.
Speaking to Vanguard on strict grounds of anonymity, the NCAA staff said “the plane was on its way to Port Harcourt from Kaduna, made a crash landing at the threshold of Runway 17.”
The source also disclosed that “only four persons were in the aircraft and two of them were in very critical conditions and quickly rushed to the Nigerian Air Force Hospital, close to the airport.”
In a statement, the Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance, Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau, Mrs Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, said: “The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has been notified of an accident involving a Cessna 172 aircraft, with nationality and registration marks 5N-ASR, operated by Skypower Express.
“The occurrence took place today (yesterday) around 20:00 hours local time at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State.
“The aircraft was originally en route from Kaduna International Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport when the crew declared an emergency, necessitating a diversion to Owerri.
“The aircraft subsequently crashed in the approach area of Runway 17. There were four people on board at the time of the accident, with no fatalities reported so far.
“Following the occurrence, airport emergency services were successfully activated and arrived on site promptly. Reports indicate that there was no post-crash fire, and the runway remains active for flight operations, with other aircraft taking off safely after the incident.
“Efforts are currently underway to coordinate the recovery and evacuation of the distressed aircraft from the crash site to allow for a detailed wreckage examination. The NSIB has officially activated its protocols in accordance with its mandate.”
- The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old woman, Misturah, for allegedly faking her own kidnapping to extort ₦2.5 million from her husband based in South Africa.
- Police uncovered the hoax after tracing ransom calls and recovering her supposedly stolen phone, leading to her confession.
- Investigations are ongoing, and she is expected to be charged to court.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old woman, identified as Misturah, for allegedly staging her own abduction to extort N2.5 million from her South African-based husband.
The elaborate hoax began on November 24, 2025, when the suspect’s brother-in-law reported her kidnapped by armed men. The “abductors” initially demanded N10 million, eventually negotiating the sum down to N3 million. After the husband paid N2.5 million into Misturah’s own bank account, she was “released” and reunited with her family.
Police investigations grew suspicious when Misturah claimed she was taken by six armed men in a silver Toyota Venza who seized her iPhone 12 Pro Max. Detectives eventually tracked a SIM card used for the ransom negotiations to a 30-year-old man named Daniel in Ede, Osun State.
Daniel confessed that Misturah, an online acquaintance, had asked for his SIM card to “resolve personal issues” with her husband, Ridwan. Further investigation led to the recovery of Misturah’s “stolen” iPhone, which she had actually sold to a buyer, Yusuf Sodiq, for N380,000.
Lagos Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed that Misturah admitted to the scam after being confronted with the evidence.
“Appropriate charges will be filed at the conclusion of the probe,” Adebisi stated, adding that investigations are still ongoing.
The Super Eagles’ camp in Egypt is close to full capacity as Nigeria continue final preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with only star striker Victor Osimhen yet to arrive.
As of Tuesday, 27 of the 28 players named in Eric Sékou Chelle’s final squad are now in camp, boosting the coaching crew’s options ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON opener later this month.
The latest arrival is winger Moses Simon, whose return further strengthens Nigeria’s attacking depth as training intensifies in Cairo.
Camp builds steadily in Cairo
Nigeria opened camp on Sunday at the Renaissance Hotels in Cairo, with coaches and backroom staff arriving early to lay the groundwork for the team’s build-up.
Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was the first player to report, arriving in the early hours of Sunday morning. He was later joined by Stanley Nwabali, followed by more players from various bases across Europe and Africa.
Those already in camp include goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Francis Uzoho and Amas Obasogie; defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Zaidu Sanusi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Chidozie Awaziem, Igho Ogbu and Ryan Alebiosu.
Midfield options in camp are Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and Tochukwu Nnadi, while the attack features Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Cyriel Dessers, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Salim Fago Lawal and Usman Muhammed.
All eyes on Osimhen
The only absentee is Osimhen, Nigeria’s leading striker and one of Africa’s biggest stars. He is still expected in camp.
Osimhen remains central to Nigeria’s hopes in Morocco, having been a key figure in recent international campaigns and a proven match-winner on the continental stage.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Pitch Awards: Osimhen, Bassey, Lookman, clinch nomination for ‘King of the Pitch’
Focus shifts to Morocco
Nigeria have already tested their readiness with a friendly against Egypt in Cairo, which provided Chelle the opportunity to assess combinations, fitness levels and tactical balance.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to fly to Fès later this week aboard a chartered flight, where they will be based for the group stage of the tournament.
Three-time champions Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign on 23 December against Tanzania, before further Group C clashes with Tunisia on 27 December and Uganda on 30 December. All three matches will be played at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
With camp almost complete and Osimhen’s arrival imminent, Nigeria’s AFCON countdown is entering its final phase — and expectations are rising as the Super Eagles look to mount a serious challenge for a fourth continental title.
By Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka
The Senate Committee on Finance has approved a reduction in the oil price benchmark for the 2026 budget from $64.8 to $60 per barrel, citing persistent downward pressure on global oil prices and the need to avoid a widening fiscal deficit.
During a Tuesday briefing, Senator Sani Musa, chairman of the committee, told members of the press: “Since the crisis in the Middle East and part of Europe, oil prices have fallen and have remained largely stagnant with only slight drops and minimal increases. Our production levels have also fluctuated due to force majeure and other factors, making the original $64.8 benchmark unrealistic.”
On the rationale for the cut, he said:
“Global oil markets have been unsettled by geopolitical tensions, leading to sustained low prices.”
“Maintaining a $64.8 benchmark could exacerbate the existing fiscal deficit of approximately ₦2.1 trillion and reducing the projection to $60 per barrel is the best thing to do if we really want to fund the 2026 budget responsibly.”
On the implications, the lawmaker states that the revised benchmark aims to ensure that revenue projections for the 2026 budget are realistic, reducing the risk of shortfalls that could delay funding for capital projects. The committee’s decision underscores the Senate’s focus on fiscal discipline amid uncertain global energy markets.
“We decided to reduce the projection from $64.8 to $60. This will help us avoid serious deficit and keep the 2026 budget on track,” Musa concluded.
NIGERIA NEWS
Lady Cries out, Shares Breakup Text She Got from Boyfriend Days after Urging Him to Join Shiloh
- A lady has publicly displayed the breakup message her boyfriend sent her on WhatsApp days after she told him to partake in the Shiloh program
- The heartbroken lady lamented the crash of her relationship, saying her ex made her believe that nothing could come between them
- Mixed reactions followed the breakup text, as netizens analysed it, with some claiming it was written with the aid of ChatGPT
A Nigerian lady, @princessjojo811, has expressed sadness after her boyfriend ended their relationship over text.
“Sometimes loyalty is a crime too,” she wrote on TikTok as she lamented.
A lady laments as her boyfriend breaks up with her.
Photo Credit: @princessjojo811, Facebook/Bishop David Olaniyi Oyedepo
Source: TikTok
The jilted lady further noted that he made her believe that nothing could ever come between them. In her words:
“You think you can hurt me,”He made me believe nothing can ever come against us and it will always be us.”
Content of heartbreaking text from ex-lover
She displayed a screenshot of their chat, showing the messages she sent him before he sent her the breakup text.
Read also
Nigerian lady’s court wedding photos go viral as many ladies observe similar thing about her husband
The breakup came days after she urged him to join the Winners Chapel Shiloh program. The breakup text read:
“I love you, but I’m not in love with you anymore.”I’ve tried to find it again, and it’s just gone.”Please don’t ask me why-I don’t have a reason that will make sense.”I just know this has to end.”
A lady cries out as her boyfriend ends their relationship.
Photo Credit: @princessjojo811
Source: TikTok
See screenshot of chat she shared below:
Lady’s relationship crash stirs reactions
Legit.ng has compiled some reactions to the lady’s relationship crash below:
TIKTOK NOTIFICATION said:
“I swear this is exact message my ex sent to me so they all used ChatGPT.”
Pearl🥹💕 said:
“Ummm guys 😔 idk if mine is heading this way oo 😂😂 I just dey laugh with tears in my eye.”
~meehat~💕 said:
“Mine told me straight and direct that he’s In love with another girl and he can’t break her heart.”
️𝑳𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒂𝒏. said:
“He did not break your heart he was just being honest with you and you should thank God for that!”
Read also
Lady prostrates to celebrate husband who sponsored her UK master’s degree, video melts hearts
@Jüst Kïff_Tëë🥷🏿🖤💤 said:
“Naso all of them de oo…😂 Once they’re tired of you and the relationship,they start bringing up unnecessary attitudes, excuses,late replies and one day they will just tell you they’re done. 😹😔 or ghost you sef.”
chimaobi 💞🙈🌎🔐 said:
“Una wey get breakup massage no know wetin God don do for una.”
Ayoka 🥺❤️ said:
“I love you but not in love with you anymore” make it make sense 😒 na even ChatGPT he used.”
Riri✨🤍 said:
“Same thing my bf told me too. 💔Sorry babes, it’s going to be hard but pls just move on.”
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a ladyhad posted the heartbreaking messages her boyfriend of six years sent her as he dumped her.
Boyfriend dumps girlfriend who moved to Canada
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a lady had shared the breakup text she was sent by her boyfriend days after she relocated to Canada.
Read also
Young lady displays couple’s wedding items which she found forgotten inside cab days to occasion
She displayed the breakup message he sent her on WhatsApp, and lamented that she had gone through heartbreak and racism in less than a month of her relocation.
In the text, her now ex-lover admitted that breaking up with her has been the hardest thing he had done. He sincerely apologised to her and took responsibility for the crash of their relationship.
Source: Legit.ng
A video of a Nigerian solar installer has gone viral after he accidentally broke a client’s roof and fell into the toilet during a solar panel installation.
The clip, shared on TikTok by @solidelectricalcompany, has sparked widespread reactions on social media.
Roof Accident During Installation
The installer explained that while installing monofacial solar panels, his apprentice stepped on the wrong part of the roof.
Instead of walking on the wooden supports holding the asbestos sheets, he stepped directly on the center of the slate, which could not hold his weight.
Fall Into Toilet
The slate broke immediately, causing the installer’s apprentice to fall straight into the apartment’s toilet.
@solidelectricalcompany highlighted the exact spot where the roof collapsed.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries.
Apprentice Pays for Repairs
The apprentice reportedly took responsibility for the damage and bought a new roofing sheet to replace the broken one.
Challenges Solar Installers Face
Several Nigerian solar installers who reacted to the video noted that roof damage is a common risk during installations.
They stressed the importance of proper training, careful movement on roofs, and checking that the roof structure can support the installer’s weight.
Concerns About Installation Method
The video also revealed that the solar panels were installed directly on the roof without racks to allow airflow.
Experts warn that this method can increase heat buildup, potentially affecting both the roof and the panels over time.
See below;
@solidelectricalcompany
#safety #solarinstallation
♬ original sound – 𝕊𝕆𝕃𝕀𝔻𝕋𝔼ℂℍ🇳🇬𝕃𝕋𝔻
A senior lawmaker has warned that Nigeria is increasingly being governed by people who lack the training, discipline and mindset required for leadership.
The Senator said political office has been reduced to mere occupation of power, rather than a call to serve with competence and character.
The alarm was raised on Wednesday in Abuja by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets, Senator Osita Izunaso.
He spoke during the public presentation of Leadership 365: Daily Reflection for Effective Leadership, a new book written by Dr Linus Okorie, President of the GOTNI Leadership Centre.
Speaking before an audience of political leaders, professionals and leadership experts, the Imo West Senatorial District representative said many Nigerians wrongly assume that holding office automatically makes a person a leader.
According to him, this dangerous thinking has contributed to poor governance across the country.
Izunaso criticised what he described as the absence of deliberate leadership grooming in Nigeria. He said individuals often emerge into positions of authority without the values, discipline and conduct expected of leaders.
He warned that this trend continues to weaken public institutions and erode trust in governance.
“In this country, we do not train leaders. We just assemble people, and people start talking as if they are leaders. There must be a way leaders should talk. A leader doesn’t talk or walk anyhow because people are watching you.”
The lawmaker explained that leadership is not limited to political office holders. He said leadership can be seen in everyday life and often emerges naturally through character and responsibility, not by appointment or election alone.
“Dr Okorie has demonstrated deep thought and some leadership ideas in his book. Leadership is part of our everyday life. But oftentimes people misunderstood leadership to mean only those who occupy political positions, which is not correct.
“The fact that you occupy an office does not make you a leader. Most times leaders are born, most times leaders emerge. If you have 12 children in a class, watch them carefully. Watch their mannerism—the leader among them will emerge. Leadership is not about occupying a high position.”
Izunaso also used the platform to address Nigerian youths. He cautioned them against the growing obsession with quick wealth and flashy lifestyles. He urged young people to focus on character, discipline and mentorship, rather than money-driven success.
“For the younger ones coming up, do not embrace the culture of let’s get rich quickly. Rather, imbibe the culture of having role models. There must be someone you admire as a role model. Money shouldn’t be the motivation to make anybody your role model.”
In his remarks, the author of the book, Dr Linus Okorie, stressed that national development cannot be achieved through technology alone. He said progress depends largely on people who are intentionally groomed to lead with vision, courage and integrity.
“Progress evolves only when men and women of vision, skill and courage seize the opportunity to change things for the better. In the 21st century, I have been told that technology and AI are on the rise.
“But the truth of the matter is that there is nothing that will be as powerful as the human spirit. The human spirit, when properly channelled, can cause a change that could transform businesses, institutions and nations.”
Okorie said nations that have made lasting progress did so by investing heavily in leadership development. He noted that grooming future leaders should be a continuous and intentional process, not an afterthought.
“Today, there is nothing as powerful as grooming, intentionally, the next generation of leaders for any nation.
“Nations of the world that made great progress are the ones that invested heavily in the leadership capital of our citizens.”
He explained that Leadership 365 was written to encourage daily self-reflection on leadership and personal responsibility.
According to him, the book is designed for individuals who want to influence society positively, regardless of their position.
However, concerns about leadership quality have remained a recurring issue in Nigeria’s political space. Many citizens continue to blame weak governance, policy failures and institutional decay on the emergence of leaders chosen through wealth, connections and loyalty rather than competence.
The Enugu State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commenced its planned protest against the rising insecurity across Nigeria.
Leading the demonstration, NLC State Chairman Comrade Fabian Nwigbo expressed deep concern over the country’s deteriorating security situation. He called on the government to take urgent steps to protect the lives and property of citizens.
Earlier, it was reported that NLC National President Joe Ajaero, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, and other stakeholders gathered at the Congress’ headquarters to prepare for the protest.
The NLC had previously announced its intention to stage a nationwide demonstration to draw attention to insecurity in the country, with members across different states expected to join in solidarity.
Despite meeting with President Tinubu in an attempt to stop the planned protest, the organisation went ahead with it to pressure the federal government into taking decisive action to curb insecurity in Nigeria.
The Board of Seplat Energy Plc has announced the appointment of Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah as Independent Non-Executive Directors, effective January 1, 2026.
The announcement was contained in a notice filed on the Nigerian Exchange by the company’s Director of Legal/Company Secretary, Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa.
The appointments follow the resignation of Mr. Bello Rabiu and Mr. Babs Omotowa in April 2025, after their nomination to the Board of NNPC Limited by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Seplat Energy confirmed that the recruitment process was conducted in line with its Board Succession Plan, ensuring continuity and strategic oversight at the highest level.
Profile: Engr. Saidu Aliyu Mohammed
Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed brings over 37 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, with expertise in natural gas development, commercialization, and infrastructure.
He previously served as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Gas & Power Directorate at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), where he provided leadership for landmark projects and policy frameworks. These include the Gas Masterplan, Gas Network Code, and contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
He played a pivotal role in delivering critical gas infrastructure projects such as the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and Nigeria LNG Train 7.
His leadership also extended internationally, representing Nigeria at the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and the West African Gas Pipeline Authority.
Mohammed has held several senior executive positions, including Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and Managing Director of Nigerian Gas Company.
He chaired boards of strategic entities such as the West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail. A Fellow of both the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers (FNSCHE), he is a registered engineer with COREN and holds a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Profile: Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah
Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah is a seasoned Nigerian business leader with nearly four decades of corporate experience.
He spent 30 years at UAC of Nigeria Plc (UACN), rising from Management Trainee in 1988 to Group Managing Director/CEO, a position he held from 2007 to 2018.
During his tenure, he reshaped UACN’s portfolio through strategic partnerships with global firms such as Tiger Brands, Imperial Logistics, and Famous Brands.
He also spearheaded acquisitions, including Livestock Feeds Plc and Portland Paints Plc, positioning UACN for sustainable growth across multiple sectors. Following his retirement, Ettah founded Barracuda Capital Partners Ltd in 2018, where he serves as Executive Chairman.
He currently holds several board roles, including Founding Director of Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd and Non-Executive Director of Mixta Africa Plc, and until February 2025, he co-chaired the board of LEAP Africa.
Ettah has played influential roles in industry associations such as the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). He has also contributed to national economic policy through presidential and technical advisory committees.
A graduate of the University of Benin with a B.Sc. in Industrial Chemistry and an MBA, he has completed executive education programs at Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, INSEAD, IMD, and the University of Michigan.
Board Chairman’s remarks
Welcoming the new appointees, Seplat Energy Chairman, Mr. Udoma Udo Udoma, said:
“On behalf of Seplat Energy, I am delighted to welcome Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed and Mr. Larry Ephraim Ettah to the Board. Their experiences are complementary, combining extensive industry knowledge with extensive business success. We look forward to the significant contributions they will make in advancing the Company’s strategic growth objectives and driving our continued success.”
What you should know
In September, Seplat said it has committed to a progressive dividend policy that will see shareholders receive at least $120 million (N179 billion) in dividends annually.
This is based on its projections following its acquisition of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (now Seplat Energy Producing Nigeria Unlimited, SEPNU).
Seplat expects this policy to deliver $1 billion in cumulative dividends over the five years, with a guaranteed minimum of $120 million annually.
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