The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has responded to allegations of a possible cover-up surrounding the fatal crash of its ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State, assuring the public that a thorough investigation is underway.
The response followed claims by the brother of a female Air Force sergeant who died in the crash that the aircraft had reportedly developed a mechanical fault before its final flight.
According to the bereaved man, his sister informed him that the aircraft had stopped in Benin City, Edo State, after experiencing technical problems and that personnel were waiting for the fault to be addressed.
He alleged that he sent money to his sister while she was in Benin City and that the aircraft departed shortly afterwards. He questioned why the plane was allowed to continue its journey if the reported technical problem had not been properly resolved.
Responding to the allegations, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, said the issues raised would be examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
He stated that the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the allegations made by the deceased sergeant’s brother, would be carefully assessed before any conclusions were reached.
The Air Force has not directly confirmed or denied the specific allegation that the aircraft developed a mechanical fault before departing Benin City.
Earlier reports indicated that the aircraft, identified as NAF 931, had reportedly experienced an engine problem during a stop in Benin City on October 4, 2026. Sources cited in the reports claimed that technicians worked on the aircraft overnight before it departed for Lagos the following morning.
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The aircraft subsequently crashed near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, on October 5, 2026.
Following the incident, the Nigerian Air Force commenced search, recovery and investigative operations at the crash site. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, also visited the site and assured affected families that the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The service said relevant evidence would be secured, documented and examined to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash. It also cautioned against speculation while investigations remain ongoing.
Beyond concerns about the aircraft’s condition, the deceased sergeant’s brother expressed frustration over what he described as inadequate communication from the Air Force regarding the recovery process, the investigation and support for affected families.
He also raised concerns about military personnel welfare and claimed that his sister had less than ₦17,000 in her bank account despite serving in the Air Force for more than 11 years. The salary-related allegations were not independently verified in the report.
The man called on the military authorities to clarify the events leading up to the crash, determine whether the aircraft was airworthy before departure and establish responsibility if any wrongdoing is discovered.
He also said he was willing to provide messages and other materials he believes could assist investigators.
The Nigerian Air Force has reiterated that the investigation remains ongoing and that its final conclusions will be based on the evidence gathered.
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