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The Flying Coffins of Nigeria Armed Forces, Which Way Forward?

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By Moses Idika

All over the world, the Air Force is the power base of the military, modern warfare is fought in the air, the land forces merely “clear the debris.”

The ongoing Israel and Palestine Conflict is a testimony of what modern warfare looks like. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Israeli military has recorded very huge and significant “victory” over Hamas terrorist group without deploying soldiers on foot into the Palestine territory simply because of strong Air Force backed by equally strong land troops and especially advanced technology.

In Nigeria, however, our Air Force is the weakest link of the armed forces.

It is unexplainable that within three months the Nigeria Air Force has lost three of its planes. More confounding is the fact that Nigerian authorities are clueless as to why the situation persists.

Nigeria government in the last six years has been in frenzy with regards to “acquiring” new technologies and especially aircrafts for the country, yet we keep losing precious airmen as if it was normal.

Taking stock of the last three air disasters involving Nigeria Military carriers reveals an unfortunate pattern enmeshed in an unfeeling corrupt cabal within a government that obvious gives no hoot if all the plane in its fleet crashes provided the Presidential Jet in unaffected.

On Friday night, the nation’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and 10 other military personnel perished at the Kaduna International Airport in an air crash involving a NAF Beachcraft 350 aircraft which burst into flames after it crash landed just few metres to the runaway.

According to the Spokesman of the Nigerian Air Force, the “air crash involving a Nigerian Air Force aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport. The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained. More details to follow soon,” the same story that has always been told each time the recurrent decimal takes place.

The latest crash is the third in the unfortunate series of crashes involving NAF planes with no convincing explanation as to what happened and how future crashes could be avoided.

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On Sunday, February 21, 2021, another NAF Beechcraft KingAir B350i aircraft crash landed just before the runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja killing all seven NAF personnel onboard. The crew of the ill-fated plane was said to had earlier reported engine failure.

In yet another unfortunate and perhaps the most painful accident involving NAF aircraft, on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, an Alpha-Jet aircraft that was in the battlefront in the endless war against Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was lost and till today nothing has been heard about what happened to that jet or its crew.

While the insurgents claimed responsibility for downing the fighter jet, the Nigerian military denied the “shutdown” story, but has been unable to give a credible alternative explanation to what happened to aircraft or its tow pilots.

Just within three months a total of 20 Nigeria military personnel have lost their lives to air accidents that cannot be explained.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on two occasions escaped death by whiskers when his chopper went down. First in June 2017 when the presidential chopper crashed after take-off in Gwagwalada town in the FCT and on February 2019 when the VP’s chopper once again went down in Kabba, a sleepy town in Kogi State. The VP is the real cat with nine lives obviously.

The above sad fortune of the Nigeria armed forces has led to questions being asked about the safety of military aviation in the country, as civil aviation has recorded no crash involving commercial flights in about a decade now, thankfully.

What could be responsible?
On Wednesday August 30, 2017, the Nigerian Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) released its report on the Nigeria Police Helicopter that crashed in a village near Jos, Plateau State that killed the then newly promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police, Haruna John and three other police personnel including the pilot of the chopper.

The report of the AIB was startling as it was revealing. That report gave insight into what may be happening to the Nigeria military as far as the recurring air crashes involving its aircrafts is concerned.

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According to the details of the AIB’s report presented by its Commissioner, Akin Olateru at the bureau’s headquarters at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, the two pilots, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Garba Yelwa and Alexander Pwol-ja (co-pilot) that were in charge of the helicopter had no business flying the chopper as at the time it crashed.

Both pilots were not qualified to man the aircraft; they had no adequate training on the aircraft in line with global aviation rules.

According to the AIB report, Yelwa’s medical certificate and simulator recurrency had expired at the time of the crash, while the co-pilot was not equally type-rated on the helicopter brand, meaning that he did not have the proper certification to pilot the helicopter. It beats all imaginations that the Nigeria armed forces put two of its personnel with no adequate training or know-how of a plane on the cockpit, more so as the bird was to ferry one of its most senior officers.

Also, the report revealed that the engineer that released the helicopter prior to the flight was similarly unqualified!

The report revealed that the engineer did not have the necessary type-training and type-rating for the aircraft type he released to embark on the journey that eventually claimed the lives of the DIG, his orderly and the two unqualified flight crew. Imagine calling a radio technician to fix your car.

Nine years after that watershed AIB report, military aviation in Nigeria seem to have taken a deeper dip into chaos.

Despite the fact that the AIB, in its safety recommendations, called on the Nigeria Police Force, and by extension the military to provide the proper funding, to carter for proper training of its personnel and to provide a conducive working environment, and develop and implement a robust training program for its technical and operational personnel with adequate supervision and approved equipment to enhance safety, the question remains which part of that report was not clear to the authorities or have been implemented by our armed forces?

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From all indications, the situation has obviously worsened. If not why would the Nigeria military lose 20 of its bright stars within a space of three months in air crashes and nobody is taking responsibility?

It is only in Nigeria that military and police vehicles breakdown on the roads with reckless abandon!

They have started treating our military aircrafts like patrol vans.

I can imagine the people in charge of maintenance of these aircrafts wondering while the government will be “spending such huge amounts of dollars to carry out routine maintenance on a plane that is not broken down.”

While Nigeria top military brass and the police high command build mansions in choice areas across the capitals of Nigeria, buying palatial villas in Dubai and London, the work tools of our armed forces become decrepit, worn out and thereby exposing service men to their untimely deaths.

This inability to get Nigeria airpower to function obviously explains why the Boko Haram insurgents and bandits are fast overrunning parts of the country, or how else can one explain why a ragtag militia men on motorbikes can continually inflict such mortal blows on the Nigeria military.

The Federal Government should for once take responsibility, take charge and abide by the rule books in handling security in the country by ensuring that proper steps in line with international aviation safety regulations are taking to save our military personnel from the flying coffins that our armed forces planes have become.

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Workers Day: Amb Samuel Sends Strong Message To Governor Ododo, President Tinubu

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A  Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Ambassador Samuel A. Dajuma
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A Kogi-born politician, Amb Samuel A. Danjuma has sentt a strong message to the Kogi State Governor Ahmed USMAN Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while emphasiing the importance of collective effort and dedication in moving the affairs of Kogi State, and Nigeria to an enviable pedestal.








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He made this emphasis while interacting with journalist in Abuja during this year Workers Day Celebration.

The Businessman and young progressive politician said, “I stood alongside the worker-friendly Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed USMAN Ododo, in extending warm wishes to Kogi workers and workers worldwide on this year’s Workers’ Day. Together, they reassured the dedicated workforce of Kogi State of a promising future ahead, filled with opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

“Amb Samuel urged the workers to reciprocate this gesture by continuing to give their best in their respective roles, contributing to the overall development and progress of the state. He emphasized the importance of collective effort and dedication in achieving common goals and aspirations.”

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He further appealled to the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the pressing issue of rising fuel prices, which has caused hardship for many Nigerians.

He urges the President to intensify efforts on stabilizing fuel prices and advocated for the establishment of a price control board to ensure fair pricing and alleviate the burden on the populace.

Danjuma expressed gratitude to the President for the recent salary increament for civil servants, acknowledging this as a positive step towards improving the welfare of workers across the country.

In alignment with Governor Ododo’s worker-friendly policies, Amb Samuel A. Danjuma reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of workers, both in Kogi State and beyond, and emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and labor in building a brighter future for all.

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International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day in some countries and often referred to as May Day, is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement and occurs every year on 1 May, or the first Monday in May.

May 1 is traditionally, the date of the European spring festival of May Day. In 1889, the Marxist International Socialist Congress met in Paris and established the Second International as a successor to the earlier International Workingmen’s Association. They adopted a resolution for a “great international demonstration” in support of working-class demands for the eight-hour day. The 1 May date was chosen by the American Federation of Labor to commemorate a general strike in the United States, which had begun on 1 May 1886 and culminated in the Haymarket affair four days later. The demonstration subsequently became a yearly event.


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Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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ICDA Expressed Pride in Okutepa’s Selfless Service to The Igala Kingdom

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The Igala Cultural and Development Association, ICDA has expressed a deep pride in SAN (Chief) Jibrin Samue Okutepa’s selfless service to the Igala kingdom, acknowledging his significant contributions.


This is during a courtesy visit by the delegation from the Igala Cultural and development Development Association (ICDA), Adamawa State branch.





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at the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola.

Okutepa, the distinguished guest speaker at the Annual Lecture organized by Gabriel Adikwu & Co., deliveed a powerful presentation on “The Nobility of the Legal Profession in Nigeria” through a detailed PowerPoint display.

During the meeting, the Igala community expressed deep pride in Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, SAN. selfless service to the Igala kingdom, acknowledging his significant contributions.

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A vote of confidence was also passed by the community, affirming their commitment to support Okutepa. in any future endeavors he undertakes on behalf of the Igala community.

On the delegation were Sir Joe Atabo, ICDA Zonal coordinator North East,l Mall Danlami Yahaya, the ICDA Chairman of Adamawa State, accompanied by his vice, Mr Anthony UKUMONU. With other respected Igala icon such as Dr Idris Omede (CON), among others.

Special prayers were offered for the amiable SAN. for continued success, divine favor, and protection.

The occasion was marked by a spirit of unity and gratitude towards chief Okutepa’ for his leadership and dedication to the Igala community.

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This engagement underscores the strong bonds between the Igala community and SAN Okutepa. highlighting a shared commitment to advancing the welfare and interests of the Igala people through legal advocacy and community service.

In response Chief OkutepaA. Prayed God to continue to unite  the igala community in Adamawa State and else where thanking them for the visit and enjoyed them to keep working as brothers and sisters.




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Abdulrahman Obaje

Abdulrahman Obaje
Prince Abdulrahman Obaje is a Media, Information and Computer Technology Consultant. A quintessential Journalist, online marketer, social media strategist, Mathematician and Computer Scientist is based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is the Founder and the Publisher of The Informavores!. You can reach me on +234 805 939 5252 or send i-witness report directly to me on news@informavores.com.ng.
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Alleged N80.2billion Money Laundering: EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Wanted

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EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello Wanted Over N80.2 Billion Fraud
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has declared the immediate Kogi State-ex-governor, Yahaya Adoza Bello, wanted over N80.2 billion financial crimes.

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EFCC wrote this on its verified social media handle on Thursday evening where the photograph of the former governor was displayed with the inscription ‘WANTED’, that “Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is wanted by the EFCC for offences relating to economic and financial crimes to the tune of N80.

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adsbygoogle || []).push({}); adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 2 Billion. Anybody with information as to his whereabouts should report immediately to the Commission or the nearest Police Station.”
EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello Wanted Over N80.2 Billion Fraud

EFCC Declares Immediate Kogi Ex-Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello Wanted Over N80.2 Billion Fraud

Informavores recalls that Bello was billed for arraignment before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja this Thursday, April 18, 2024.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had said Bello was to be arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite alongside three other suspects, Ali Bello, Dauda Suleiman and Abdulsalam Hudu on 19- count charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N80, 246, 470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo).

Bello’s arraignment is coming on the heels of a warrant of arrest and enrolment order granted the EFCC by the court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.

Count one of the charges reads: That you, Yahaya Adoza Bello, Ali Bello, Dauda Suliman, and Abdulsalam Hudu( Still at large), sometime, in February, 2016, in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to convert the total sum of N80, 246,470, 088.88 (Eighty Billion, Two Hundred and Forty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand and Eight Nine Naira, Eighty Eight Kobo), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a) and punishable under Section 15(3) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended”.

Count 17 of the charges read: “That you Yahaya Bello between 26th July 2021 to 6th April 2022 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court aided E-Traders International Limited to conceal the aggregate sum of N3, 081, 804,654.00 (Three Billion, Eighty One Million Eight Hundred and Four Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Four Naira) in account number 1451458080 domiciled in Access BankPlc, which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(a), 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15 (3) of the same Act.

Count 18 of the charges reads: “That you Yahaya Adoza Bello sometime in November 2021 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly procured E-Traders international Limited to transfer the aggregate sum of $570,330.00 (Five Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Dollars) to account number 4266644272 domiciled in TD Bank, United States of America which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful activity to wit, criminal breach of trust and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 15(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as amended and punishable under Section 15( 3) of the same Act”.

The Commission’s attempt to execute the Warrant of Arrest lawfully obtained against Bello met stiff resistance on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The security cordon around the former governor’s residence in Abuja was breached by the current Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo who ensured that the suspect was spirited away in his official vehicle. As a responsible law enforcement agency, the EFCC exercised restraint in the face of the provocation, waiting for his arraignment on Thursday, April 18, 2024.

The statement further said that, “It is needful to state that Bello is not above the law and would be brought to justice as soon as possible.”

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