FULL LIST: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims Killed In Ondo Crash

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has released the names of the 25 people killed in the Ondo aircraft crash, confirming that five crew members and 20 passengers were on board the ill-fated aircraft.

The NAF 931 ATR-42 aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday while on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the NAF said no survivors had been found.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, expressed condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the victims and directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

The NAF also urged the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information.

The latest NAF figure of 25 people on board differs from the initial information released by aviation authorities on Monday, when the aircraft was reported to have had 25 passengers and seven crew members. The NAF’s subsequent review identified 20 passengers and five crew members. (State House Abuja)

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FULL LIST OF VICTIMS

Crew members

1. Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime — Flight Captain
2. Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje — Co-pilot
3. Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako — Co-pilot
4. Warrant Officer Abubakar A. — Aircraft Technician
5. Corporal Uguru H.C. — Aircraft Technician

Passengers

6. Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus
7. Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye
8. Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina
9. Master Warrant Officer Onwuka F.
10. Master Warrant Officer Matini B.A.
11. Warrant Officer Nuhu F.S.
12. Flight Sergeant James R.B.
13. Flight Sergeant Mohammed A.I.
14. Sergeant Ani A.E.
15. Sergeant Izibenikien S.I.
16. Sergeant Alafuka C.
17. Sergeant Mbadugha A.N.
18. Lance Corporal Ugwuba F.C.
19. Lance Corporal Eledan G.E.
20. Mrs Ezeh Nneka
21. Godstmine Tarabina
22. Joy Micheal
23. Sunday Micheal
24. Ukeme David
25. Gideon Omotola

The Air Force said search-and-rescue procedures were activated immediately after the accident in coordination with relevant authorities to locate and account for everyone on board.

Aneke described the crash as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the nation and assured the bereaved families of the Service’s full support.

The NAF said it would continue to provide verified updates as the investigation progresses.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died in the crash and directed that national flags be flown at half-mast. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the accident. (State House Abuja)

The exact cause of the Ondo plane crash remains under investigation.

FULL LIST: NAF Releases Names Of 25 Victims Killed In Ondo Crash

Supreme Council For Sharia Secretary-General Nafiu Baba-Ahmed Dies

Mallam Nafiu Baba-Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), has died.

Baba-Ahmed’s death was announced on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, by former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, who described the late Islamic scholar and lawyer as a dedicated servant of Islam and humanity.

A separate statement by Malam Jamilu Muazu Haidara also confirmed the death and said the funeral prayer would be held at the National Mosque in Abuja after the Zuhr prayer on Tuesday.

The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.

Baba-Ahmed was a lawyer, Islamic scholar and public intellectual who served as the Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, where he played a central role in coordinating the council’s activities and public engagements.

According to the council’s official profile, he was born in Zaria and combined traditional Islamic education with formal legal training at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

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He was also a Member of the National Institute (mni) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, and was recognised for his contributions to legal scholarship, Islamic advocacy, policy engagement and public affairs.

As secretary-general, Baba-Ahmed frequently spoke on issues involving religious rights, justice, governance, security and constitutional matters.

In August 2026, for instance, he signed a statement on behalf of the Supreme Council for Shariah opposing what it described as a rushed constitutional process on the proposed creation of state police. The council called for broader consultation and stronger safeguards before any restructuring of Nigeria’s policing system.

Baba-Ahmed was also a prominent voice in national discussions concerning the rights and welfare of Nigerian Muslims and the place of Islamic values within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.

Mourning his death, Pantami said Baba-Ahmed had devoted the last 26 years of his life to the service of Islam and humanity while advocating justice for all.

Pantami prayed for the deceased to be admitted into Jannatul Firdaus and extended condolences to his family, colleagues and the wider Muslim community.

His death comes about a year and a half after the Supreme Council for Shariah lost its former president, Sheikh Abdul Rasheed Hadiyatullah, who died in April 2025. Sheikh Bashir Aliyu Umar was subsequently confirmed as the council’s new president.

Baba-Ahmed’s death is expected to prompt tributes from Islamic scholars, legal practitioners, political figures and other Nigerians who interacted with him during his years of public service.

Supreme Council For Sharia Secretary-General Nafiu Baba-Ahmed Dies

Former NADECO Leader Ralph Obioha Dies At 80

Chief Ralph Obioha, a prominent pro-democracy activist, businessman, politician and former chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), has died at the age of 80.

Obioha died on Saturday, October 3, 2026, his family announced in a statement signed by his son, Chima Obioha, in Enugu.

The family did not disclose the cause of death but described the late elder statesman as a beloved father, husband, brother, grandfather and friend whose life was marked by service, generosity and commitment to Nigeria.

Obioha was one of the prominent figures in Nigeria’s June 12 pro-democracy struggle following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.

As a leading member of NADECO, he was involved in efforts to restore the June 12 mandate and end military rule. During the turbulent years of the 1990s, he operated from Canada and the United States as part of the external pro-democracy movement.

Beyond his activism, Obioha served as a member of the House of Representatives during the Second Republic, between 1979 and 1983.

He later founded the Justice Party, which fielded Reverend Chris Okotie as its presidential candidate in the 2003 election. He was also involved in the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo and served as chairman of its caretaker committee.

Obioha, who was the traditional ruler known as Okpuruisizuruoha II of Arondizuogu, was also active in Nigeria’s business and socio-economic sectors.

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In June 2026, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu included Obioha among Nigerians selected for national honours in recognition of their roles in the struggle for democracy and the actualisation of the June 12 mandate.

However, Obioha subsequently declined the honour, citing concerns over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and the security situation in the country.

In January 2026, Obioha also spoke publicly about the controversy surrounding the 1966 military coup, rejecting the description of the event as an “Igbo coup.”

The Obioha family said the late elder statesman’s life was defined by his belief in Nigeria’s potential and his commitment to service, leadership and nation-building.

“His passing has left an immeasurable void in our family, but we find comfort in the fullness of his life, the people he touched, and the legacy of service he leaves behind,” the family said.

The family thanked Nigerians for their condolences and prayers and requested privacy as it mourns the former NADECO leader.

Details of his funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced later.

Former NADECO Leader Ralph Obioha Dies At 80