“Ladies and gentlemen, This Plane Has Been Taken Over By The Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD).”
On the morning of October 25, 1993, passengers aboard Nigeria Airways Flight WT470 were jolted by an announcement that would become one of the most shocking acts of civil disobedience in Nigeria’s history.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this plane has been taken over by the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD). Remain calm, we will not harm you. You will be told where the plane will land you.”
The voice belonged to Richard Ogunderu, a 19-year-old fresh secondary school graduate. Alongside Kabir Adenuga (aged 22), Kenny Rasaq-Lawal (aged 23), and Benneth Oluwadaisi (aged 24), they had just hijacked a domestic flight from Lagos to Abuja.
Their mission?
To draw the world’s attention to the annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest election, the June 12, 1993.
BACKGROUND
In the year 1993, Nigeria was at a historic crossroad. After nearly a decade of military rule under General Ibrahim Babangida who had banned, unbanned and re-banned political activities, a along-promised transition seemed finally within reach.
A glimmer of hope emerged with the announcement of a presidential election, the first since 1983.
He permitted a presidential elections to hold on June 12, 1993 which is still remembered today as the freest and fairest in Nigerian history. The presumed winner, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, represented the will of the people.
Abiola, was on the verge of leading Nigeria into a new democratic dawn until Babangida annulled the results, citing vague “security threats” and irregularities.
Nigerians erupt in protests. Cities burned with anger and rage. All Labour unions downed their tools. The nation demand answer.
Under immense pressure, Babangida “stepped aside” on August 26, 1993, handing power to an unelected Interim National Government (ING) led by Chief Ernest Shonekan.
To many Nigerians, the ING was an insult, a puppet regime designed to cover up the treachery of June 12….
That frustration was what MAD sought to amplify. The hijackers chose their moment carefully. Flight WT470 wasn’t just another plane, it carried several high-profile passengers, including:
Brigadier-General Hafiz Momoh, Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)
Professor Jubril Aminu, former Minister of Petroleum
Rong Yiren, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China
The hijackers boarded the flight with terrifying ease. The metal detectors at the domestic wing of Lagos Airport had been out of service since 1987. They smuggled aboard petrol stored in raffia bags, lighters, a tear gas canister, jackknives, and what they later claimed were replica firearms.
Once the plane was in the air, they revealed themselves, poured petrol on the floor and on themselves, and issued their demands: the aircraft should be diverted to Frankfurt, Germany.
Frankfurt was out of reach without refueling. The pilots first tried to land in N’Djamena, Chad, but were denied entry. The same response came from Gabon and Ghana. Eventually, the plane was permitted to land at Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, capital of the Republic of Niger. After taking over the plane that day, they handed out printed MAD manifestos to the passengers.
Hours after landing in Niamey, the hijackers released 123 hostages, mostly women, children, and foreign nationals like Rong Yiren. The next day, General Momoh was also freed, as his hypertensive condition worsened under stress. But the hijackers held onto other high-profile passengers, hoping to force the Nigerian government’s hand.
1. Justice for Dele Giwa, the Newswatch editor killed by a parcel bomb in 1986.
2. An official investigation into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft in 1992 that killed over 150 military officers.
3. A full explanation of the annulment of the June 12 elections.
4. The exposure and prosecution of those responsible for the annulment.
5. The official recognition of MKO Abiola as the legitimate President of Nigeria.
They gave a 72-hour deadline, after which they threatened to burn the plane with all remaining passengers on board.
While the hijack played out in Niger, Jerry Yusuf, a little-known cocoa trader and former Germany-based activist, had already introduced himself to the Nigerian press as the founder of MAD. Just a week earlier, he had walked into the offices of The Nigerian Tribune and spoke passionately about restoring democracy, spiritual visions, and his willingness to die for Nigeria.
The interview was published days before the hijack, effectively tying him to the incident. Nigerian authorities began hunting him immediately.
In the dead of night on October 28, 1993, as the 72-hour deadline expired, Nigerien special forces launched a commando-style assault on the aircraft. A brief but intense gunfight ensued.
Richard Ogunderu was shot in the leg but survived.
Ethelbert Nwanze Igwe, a 35-year-old assistant purser on the flight, was not so lucky. He was killed in the crossfire, the only fatality of the hijacking.
The four hijackers and Jerry Yusuf who had been arrested and extradited to Niger were imprisoned in Niger. Yusuf was released in 2000, and the rest of the group walked free in 2002 after nearly a decade behind bars.
Upon their return to Nigeria, the hijackers found a country still spinning in political instability. MKO Abiola had been imprisoned in 1994 after declaring himself President in a bold speech delivered in the Epetedo area of Lagos. He died mysteriously in detention on July 7, 1998, just weeks after General Sani Abacha, the military strongman who overthrew Shonekan, also died suddenly.
At a press appearance after his release, Ogunderu explained why he joined the hijack plot:
“I wanted to leave Nigeria for greener pastures. But then I met Jerry Yusuf, and I realized I couldn’t run from this country’s problems forever.”
He believed the only meaningful way to fix Nigeria was to stand and fight, not flee.
Today, the 1993 plane hijack remains a largely forgotten episode in Nigeria’s long, turbulent struggle for democracy. Overshadowed by the drama of Abiola’s arrest and death, buried under the military boot of Sani Abacha, and erased by the passage of time, the story of MAD is barely remembered.
Even MKO Abiola distanced himself from the hijack, condemning it as misguided. Many activists labelled it reckless. And with the death of an innocent airline staff, the moral ground of the action was heavily debated.
Yet, the hijackers never intended to kill. They said so themselves. What they wanted, desperately was for Nigeria to listen.
A youthful cry, echoing through a country that was no longer listening.
Celebrity fashion designer Victoria James, popularly known as Veekee James and her husband, Femi Atere, have announced the arrival of their first child, Eliana.
Veekee James announced this in an Instagram post on Wednesday, revealing that the baby girl was born on May 2, 2026.
She wrote, “She’s Here. #elianaatere. 02-May-26. Eliana Adeife Atere.”
Veekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_jamesVeekee James with her daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
The designer further explained the meaning behind her child’s first name, saying, “EL (God) and ANA (He has answered), signifying ‘My God has answered.
“1 Samuel 1:27 – ‘For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.’”
Commenting on Veekee James announcement, Media entrepreneur Mo Abudu wrote, “Congratulations, my darling, we give God all glory, she is beautiful.”
Social media influencer Tomike Adeoye wrote, “Thank you, Lord, for our beautiful Testimony!!! Congratulations, Mama ati Papa Eliana.”
Veekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
“Congratulations, Oremii, we are so happy! Enitojokosibiikokoogaogo is here! Oluwasheun! Veekee, strong woman!” Skit maker Folagade Banks commented.
Actress Osas Ighodaro wrote, “God is so good! Congratulations, my darling!! AND SHE IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, sooooo pretty!”
“What the Lord has done for you is marvellous, and His Joy will never depart from you. Congratulations, Veekee,” content creator and actress Kie Kie added.
Veekee James’ husband, Femi Atere, and their daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
PUNCH reported that the couple had earlier announced the pregnancy on February 3, similarly sparking widespread reaction from celebrities and fans who congratulated them.
See more photos below:
Veekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_jamesVeekee James, Femi Atere welcome their first daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_jamesVeekee James’ husband, Femi Atere, and their daughter, Eliana. Credit: Instagram| veekee_james
Fans and followers of late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo across social media platforms have expressed sadness over his demise, describing the incident as shocking and heartbreaking.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Nigerian entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning since Tuesday when news of the actor’s passing surfaced online.
Social media posts by his close colleagues, and trending media reports, stated that he died after a prolonged battle with cancer.
The incident has continued to generate frenzy on social media platforms, with fans across Nigeria and beyond pouring in condolence messages and tributes to the late thespian.
A fan, @Mr. Rekindled of AFC, asked: “Is this some late April Fool joke. God, what kind of news is this? Rest in peace bro I don’t even know what to type”.
@perpetua Ebubech wrote: “Rest well Alex I am done pressurising myself and being ungrateful. Being alive is enough. Aaaaaah Alex”.
@Amed Oshiorenua commented: “This one hurts me ooo”.
@sheismirah_bakr noted that: “Indeed, every soul shall taste death. May we leave behind kindness, love, and good memories May we be celebrated while we are alive, not only mourned when we are gone”.
@oheneba_nanayere_joyce wrote: “Ooo my God, have mercy on us”.
@SAMPSOLO on X wrote: “Omoh, sometimes when I hear such news I just sit down and think about life.
“Everything we’re struggling for can just end in one moment. It’s really scary”.
@nyarkowai23 said: “Aww fine boy. May his soul rest in peace”.
@_emefaaa wrote: “This is really sad, may his soul rest in peace”.
@ceeyahs_xclusivcollection commented: “Social media makes a lot of us look like we are living happily when we are actually fighting our battles. Remember we are all passing through something. Stay humble, stay kind”.
@DOG3tt said: “What’s wrong with Nollywood, why is everyone dying young?”
@bbelleamieeee wrote: “I loved him in Keeping My Man with Ramsey and Ini. Sad news… rest easy Alex”.
Ekubo’s passing has also attracted tributes from his colleagues and other celebrities, with many describing him as a talented actor and a kind-hearted friend.
Veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo wrote: “Life is not only fickle, it can also feel unreal. Even as I type this, I still struggle to fully process it, and it deeply saddens me to hear this news.
“Rest in peace to a truly great soul. You came, you saw, and you conquered. We are proud of the life you lived, the journey you embraced, and the legacy you leave behind.
“Sleep well, our dear Alex.”
Actor Bolanle Ninalowo also wrote: “Rest on, Alex. May God heal your family and us all.”
Singer Peter Okoye simply posted: “RIP”.
Actor Chinedu Ikedieze wrote: “Jesus, how?”
In a post on his X page, human rights activist and politician Omoyele Sowore described the late actor as a “rare talent”.
“My profound condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Nollywood star Alexx Ekubo, who I understand passed away after a prolonged battle with cancer.
“I never met him personally, but I still cannot forget a movie of his I watched on an Emirates flight from New York to Dubai en route to Nairobi.
“He was a rare talent whose presence lit up the screen effortlessly. May he rest in power.”
NAN reports that Alex Ekubo, born on April 10, 1986, was widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most versatile actors, known for his performances in several hit films and television productions.
However, his prolonged absence from the public had raised concerns among fans and colleagues, as he stayed away from social media and public events for a long time.
His last post on Instagram was made in December 2024, shortly after reports emerged that his engagement to US-based model Fancy Acholonu had been called off.
Father of former Big Brother Naija All Stars winner, Ilebaye Odiniya, Emmanuel Odiniya, has broken his silence over the viral altercation involving his daughter, claiming he was provoked before allegedly assaulting her during a family confrontation.
In a voice note purportedly from Odiniya, and shared on Facebook on Sunday by Kogi-based journalist, Jeremiah Promise Enemona Ocheme, now circulating online, the father said the incident was not driven by hatred for his daughter but by frustration over what he described as her changed behaviour after winning the reality TV show.
“I want to put the records straight that what led to that incident was not that I don’t love my daughter. She is one of my best children,” he said.
He claimed he made sacrifices and mobilised support for her emergence as the winner of the BBNaija All Stars edition.
“During her time in the Big Brother Naija house, I contributed a lot. I stood by my daughter and made sure people voted for her massively. I used my influence and connections, including governors and other people, to support her until she won,” he stated.
According to him, their relationship allegedly deteriorated after her victory, accusing the reality star of becoming disrespectful and physically aggressive towards him.
“After she came out and won, she changed. Ilebaye stopped listening to me. I would book her appointments five to six times in a week and she wouldn’t give me audience. She stopped regarding me as her father,” he alleged.
The father further criticised her lifestyle, particularly her alleged cosmetic procedures.
“I warned her against getting cosmetic surgery — face reconstruction with fillers and BBL. She’s too young for that,” he said.
Emmanuel also alleged that his daughter had physically attacked him on previous occasions.
“She has hit me twice, and I didn’t do anything to her. One day she took an AC hanger and hit me with it till blood started gushing out of my body,” he claimed.
Speaking on the latest confrontation, he alleged that the reality TV star assaulted him first before the situation escalated.
“In this recent incident, she insulted me, hit me first with a sea hanger, causing bleeding, pushed me, and then broke an electric lantern on my head,” he said.
He also accused her of neglecting him financially despite his health challenges.
“I am very sick and needed to go for medical treatment in Dubai. I called Ilebaye to help me with some money and promised to refund her. She said she didn’t have money. But I saw her video spraying bundles of naira at a colleague’s wedding,” he alleged.
The father further alleged that his daughter negatively influenced her younger brother and interfered in his marriage.
“She has also influenced her younger brother with drugs, and he was expelled from school because of it. She once advised me to divorce her mother,” he added.
Despite the accusations, Emmanuel maintained that he still loved his daughter and wanted reconciliation.
“I still love my daughter deeply. I want her to change and do better. I ask for prayers from Nigerians. The police have already intervened and settled the matter,” he said.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Ilebaye, alongside members of her family, including her father and younger brothers, were hospitalised following the confrontation at their Abuja residence.
The incident became public after the reality TV star shared an emotional livestream video crying for help, sparking concern among fans and followers online.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that all parties involved sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.
“The man is in the hospital; he is sick. All of them were badly injured and are all in the hospital,” Adeh had said.
She also stated that the siblings were under police protective custody while investigations continued into the matter.
