Enugu Air CEO: Benin Runway Excursion Was Not a Crash, All 68 Passengers and Crew Safe

By: Naija prime media on July 24, 2026 / comment : 0

The Chief Executive Officer and Accountable Manager of Enugu Air, Captain Tolu Ita, has clarified that the airline’s recent runway excursion at Benin Airport was not a crash or an emergency landing, reassuring the public that all passengers and crew members on board were safe.

Speaking in a video shared on the airline’s official social media platforms on Friday, Ita explained that the aircraft veered off the runway after hydroplaning during its landing roll following a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin.

She confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities.

“We are deeply grateful that all passengers and crew members are safe. Most importantly, there were no injuries and no casualties,” she said.

According to Ita, the aircraft landed normally before hydroplaning on the wet runway, leading to the runway excursion.

“Following a scheduled flight from Lagos to Benin, the aircraft landed and, due to hydroplaning on the runway, experienced a runway excursion during the landing roll,” she explained.

She stressed that while the incident was serious, it should not be described as a crash or an emergency landing.

“This was not a crash, nor was it an emergency landing, but it was a serious aviation incident,” she stated.

Captain Ita also disclosed that Enugu Air is working closely with the relevant aviation authorities as investigations continue.

“As is standard practice across the global aviation industry, a full investigation is being conducted in collaboration with the appropriate aviation agencies to establish the facts surrounding this occurrence. We remain committed to full cooperation and will provide verified updates as they become available,” she said.

Reaffirming the airline’s commitment to safety, Ita noted that passenger welfare remains Enugu Air’s top priority.

“Nothing matters to us more than the safety and well-being of those who choose to fly with us. Safety is, and will always remain, the foundation of who we are as an airline,” she added.

She also expressed appreciation to passengers, crew members, airport officials, military personnel, emergency responders, partners, and members of the public for their support following the incident.

The runway excursion occurred on Thursday when an Enugu Air Embraer E170 operating Flight 4264 from Lagos overshot the end of Runway 05 while landing at Benin Airport.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has since launched an investigation into the incident. The agency confirmed that all 63 passengers and five crew members were safely accounted for, with no injuries reported. In line with aviation regulations, a preliminary investigation report is expected within 30 days.

Former Adult Film Star Amaranta Hank Sworn In as Colombian Senator, Vows to Fight for Adult Creators’ Rights

By: Naija prime media on July 24, 2026 / comment : 0

Former adult film actress and journalist Deyci Alejandra Omaña Ortiz, widely known by her former stage name Amaranta Hank, has officially taken office as a senator in Colombia after campaigning for the rights of adult-content creators.

Ortiz, 33, was sworn in on Monday in Bogotá as a member of the left-wing Historic Pact coalition, according to Colombian media. She was elected earlier this year in the Norte de Santander region.

Before entering politics, Ortiz worked as a journalist before joining the adult entertainment industry in 2017. She left the industry in 2019 and later transitioned into public service.

One of her key priorities in the Senate is advocating for legal protections and social security benefits for adult-content creators, arguing that many workers in the industry face exploitation and lack basic labor rights.

“These women have been left unprotected by the state because misinformation, prejudice, and double standards have prevented meaningful regulation,” Ortiz said during her campaign.

Responding to critics who questioned her political ambitions because of her past career, Ortiz defended her right to serve in public office.

“Why can’t a woman who worked in the adult industry aspire to elected office?” she asked, pointing to other former adult entertainers, including former Italian lawmaker Ilona Staller, who successfully entered politics.

Ortiz says her life experiences have given her firsthand insight into inequality, personal freedom, and economic struggles—perspectives she intends to bring to Colombia’s legislative debates.

“The problem is that society consumes adult content but denies us the opportunity to participate in positions of power,” she said.

Federal High Court Sentences Three Terror Convicts to Life Imprisonment Over Oyo School Abduction

By: Naija prime media on July 23, 2026 / comment : 0

Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled that the life sentences for Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa/Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (alias Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (alias Abu Itisar) will take effect from the date of their arrest.

Before sentencing, defence counsel urged the court to show leniency, arguing that the defendants were first-time offenders who pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. He also noted that they are married with children and have elderly parents who depend on them, asking the court to give them a second chance.

The prosecution, however, maintained that the convicts were aware of terrorist activities and failed to report the information to security agencies, despite their responsibility as citizens.

The three men pleaded guilty to membership in a proscribed terrorist organisation and to concealing information related to the planning and execution of the school abduction.

Additionally, the first defendant, Abdulrazak Umar, admitted guilt to four additional charges involving terrorist training, passing operational instructions, and promoting extremist religious ideology to members of the terror group.

The Department of State Services (DSS) prosecuted the suspects on a 10-count charge bordering on terrorism, kidnapping, concealment of information, and related offences. According to the charges, the defendants, who are all from Niger State, knowingly withheld information about terrorist activities, participated in kidnapping operations, and used a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training and coordination.

Trump Commends Tinubu’s Anti-Terror Efforts, Reaffirms US Support for Nigeria’s Security Fight

By: Naija prime media on July 22, 2026 / comment : 0

Trump Praises Tinubu’s Leadership on Security, Pledges Stronger US-Nigeria Counterterrorism Partnership

United States President Donald Trump has commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as decisive leadership in confronting terrorism and addressing insecurity in Nigeria, particularly attacks targeting Christian communities.

The commendation was contained in a letter dated July 6, 2026, and made public on Wednesday through a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

In the letter, titled “President Trump Lauds President Tinubu’s Decisive Leadership Against Terrorists,” Trump expressed appreciation for Tinubu’s commitment to improving security and protecting Nigerian citizens.

“Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your kind words mean a great deal to me, and I appreciate your decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people,” Trump wrote.

He added, “I applaud your resolve to tackle the issues plaguing your nation, especially the violence affecting Christian communities. It is a true honour to stand with you in the fight against terrorists and to make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger and more prosperous.”

Trump described the relationship between the United States and Nigeria as increasingly important as security threats continue to spread across West Africa. He noted that both countries share a common objective of combating terrorism in all its forms.

According to him, the US-Nigeria 2026 Defence Cooperation Roadmap provides a solid framework for strengthening bilateral efforts against extremist groups.

The US President also highlighted ongoing military collaboration, revealing that American Special Operations Forces have been deployed to train and support members of the Nigerian Armed Forces with advanced skills, intelligence and operational capabilities.

“I am proud to have deployed the United States Special Operations Forces—among the most elite military units anywhere in the world—to equip the brave men and women in the Armed Forces of Nigeria with the skills, tools and intelligence they need to protect your homeland and ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly those of faith who have been under attack,” Trump stated.

He expressed optimism about continued engagement with Tinubu throughout his presidency.

The Presidency said Nigeria and the United States have expanded their security partnership in recent months through a Joint Working Group co-chaired by the National Security Advisers of both countries.

The collaboration has focused on intelligence sharing, military training and coordinated operations against terrorist organisations.

One of the reported successes of the partnership was the May 16 operation targeting ISIS hideouts in the Lake Chad region, which the Presidency said led to the elimination of the group’s top leader, Abubakar Al-Minoki, along with several of his key commanders.

The statement also disclosed that the US Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Frank Garcia, visited Abuja last week, where he met with senior Nigerian officials and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on security and other strategic priorities.

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Police Investigate Sudden Death of 60-Year-Old Man at Jigawa Hotel

By: Naija prime media on July 22, 2026 / comment : 0

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Lawan Shiisu, the deceased and the young woman checked into the hotel on Tuesday before the incident occurred.

Police said the man developed a medical emergency shortly after requesting a meal while inside the hotel room. Officers from the Yalwawa Division responded to a distress call and rushed him to the General Hospital in Dutse, where medical personnel confirmed him dead.

During a preliminary investigation, detectives secured the hotel room and recovered several items, including food, beverages, a suspected sexual enhancement substance, and other personal belongings. The recovered exhibits have been taken for further examination as investigators work to determine the exact cause of death.

Shiisu said all necessary procedures were followed to preserve the evidence, while the deceased’s body was released to his family for burial after medical authorities certified the death and the required police procedures were completed.

The police spokesperson also confirmed that the 20-year-old woman who accompanied the deceased has been cooperating with investigators and has provided useful information to assist in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally, thoroughly, and impartially. Residents were urged to refrain from spreading unverified information or speculating about the case while investigations remain ongoing.

Police said further updates would be provided as more details emerge.

Fubara Declares Support for Tinubu’s Re-Election, Backs Kingsley Chinda Under Rainbow Coalition

By: Naija prime media on July 22, 2026 / comment : 0

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has openly declared his support for the Rainbow Coalition, endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, and named Kingsley Chinda as his preferred governorship candidate in the state.

Fubara made the announcement on Wednesday during the groundbreaking and foundation-laying ceremony of the Rivien Medical Industry project in Rumuosi, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, the governor said the state had embraced peace and confirmed his alignment with the Rainbow Coalition, a political alliance associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

“We have made peace in the state. And I am supporting our Rainbow Party, or Rainbow Coalition,” Fubara said.

He also declared his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election, saying, “President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is our president, and he’s the one we are supporting.”

The governor further endorsed Kingsley Chinda as his preferred candidate for the Rivers governorship, urging his supporters to back all candidates under the coalition.

“Oke Chinda is the governorship candidate that I am supporting. And anybody who believes in me will support every candidate that is under the Rainbow,” he stated.

Fubara also appealed to his loyalists to fully embrace the coalition without waiting for political appointments or personal benefits, revealing that he had reconciled with Wike’s political camp and calling for unity ahead of future political engagements.

Night Boat Disaster on Nigeria–Cameroon Route Leaves Over 20 Feared Dead

By: Naija prime media on July 22, 2026 / comment : 0

The tragic incident occurred on Monday night as the vessel travelled from Garoua in northern Cameroon to Yola, Nigeria. According to local sources, the boat was carrying over 50 passengers, along with iron rods and other building materials destined for Dasin community in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Residents familiar with the route said the operators were repeatedly warned against embarking on the trip because of worsening weather conditions. They reportedly ignored advice to postpone the journey until daylight.

Witnesses said the boat encountered a violent storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. While initial reports suggested that more than 30 people may have drowned, local authorities have so far confirmed at least 20 deaths, with fears that the toll could increase as search and rescue efforts continue.

The accident reportedly occurred about 120 nautical miles along the Nigeria–Cameroon border corridor.

By Tuesday, the bodies of 18 victims had been recovered and buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore Local Government Area, while emergency teams continued searching for those still missing.

Rescue operations involving divers and emergency responders from both Nigeria and Cameroon remain underway. Several survivors have been rescued and are receiving medical treatment at hospitals in border communities on both sides of the international boundary.

Authorities in Nigeria and Cameroon are yet to release a comprehensive official statement on the incident. An investigation into the cause of the tragedy is expected once search and recovery operations are concluded.