On 25 October 1993, four teenage boys boarded a Nigeria Airways flight from Lagos to Abuja with a clear agenda: hijack the aircraft, take all 193 passengers hostage and force the government to bend to their demands.
The moment the pilot told passengers they could unfasten their seatbelts, the young men – aged between 16 and 18 – sprung into action.
After entering the cockpit with a fake gun, the second step of their plan was to declare that the commercial aircraft – which had several leading politicians on board – was now being controlled by the Movement for the Advancement of Democracy (MAD).
‘Remain calm, we will not harm you,’ they reportedly told the terrified travellers. ‘You will be told where the plane will land you.’
But despite their claims that there would be no casualties, the teenagers’ carefully constructed plan quickly descended into chaos – culminating in the death of a crew member following four days of tense negotiations.
Pictured: Netflix’s adaptation of the 1993 Nigeria Airways hijacking, which saw four teenagers take control of a commercial aircraft on behalf of Movement for the Advancement of Democracy
Undated photo of Nigeria Airways hijackers Richard Ajibola Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi & Kenny Rasaq-Lawal
31 years on from the incident, Netflix has dramatised the case in their film Hijack ’93, which lands on the streaming platform tomorrow.
Here FEMAIL delves into hijacking that had Nigeria on tenterhooks in October 1993 – and why the men have since been celebrated as heroes.
Political unrest in run-up
The 1980s and 1990s were a particularly turbulent time for politics in the West African country.
In 1983, the Nigerian military staged a coup to overthrow President Shehu Shagri’s elected government.
Over the next 10 years, power only passed through the hands of the military, which resulted in internal uprising and power struggles among leaders.
In 1990, Major Gideon Orkar attempted to overthrow the government through a failed military coup – after General Ibrahim Babangida took power via the same means five years before.
Three years later, the country went to the polls for the first time in over a decade – with Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who was the leader of the Social Democratic Party, winning over the National Republican Convention’s Alhaji Bashir Tofa.
Pictured: Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, who won the 1993 Nigerian Presidential election with eight million votes
Although MKO Abiola won in a landslide and secured eight million votes, the military government proceeded to annul the election – citing security threats.
At the time, military leader General Ibrahim Babangida said in a statement that ‘these steps were taken to save our judiciary from being ridiculed and politicized locally and internationally’.
However, the decision led to unrest among the population amid growing fears there would be indefinite military rule.
A Western diplomat in West Africa told the New York Times in 1993: ‘The military has only themselves to blame for this mess.’
Hijacking plane with a toy gun
On 25 October 1993, four teenage boys boarded a Nigeria Airways flight from Lagos to Abuja with a clear agenda: hijack the aircraft, take all 193 passengers hostage and force their military government to bend to their demands
After three months of protests, teenagers Richard Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal decided to send a message to the Nigerian government.
When they boarded the Nigeria Airways plane, the foursome had already prepared statements demanding MKO Abiola be instated as the country’s rightful leader, which they handed out to passengers.
They also demanded the military return embezzled money to the state and reopen a series of closed newspaper companies and universities.
Before the incident, Ogunderu – who grew up in a middle class neighbourhood and was one of five children – told Sahara Reporters that some of them had not even been on a plane before.
Speaking to Neusroom in 2022, Richard Ogunderu’s father Yemi described him as ‘strong-willed and obstinate’.
He added: ‘[Richard] would tell me, “you old men just sat there bemoaning your fate, won’t you do something about this country?”
‘The relationship between us was beyond father and son. We relate like brothers. I didn’t even know when he became a member of MAD. He had never discussed activism with me even though he knew I’m highly opinionated about socio-political issues.’
Speaking to The Punch, one of the hijackers said they targeted this specific aircraft because it ‘flew the calibre of people we wanted to deal with’.
The Nigeria Airways hijacking left one member of crew dead in 1993 when military forces stormed the plane
31 years on from the incident, Netflix has dramatised the case in their film Hijack ’93, which lands on the streaming platform tomorrow
As well as China’s vice president Rong Yiren, there were also top Nigerian government officials on board.
Speaking to the Sahara Reporters in 2009, Richard Ogunderu – who was the group’s leader – explained: ‘We were on a mission.
‘We wanted to show the evil [military] regime that young people were prepared to go the extra length to free Nigerians from the yoke of military dictatorship.’
He then revealed how he was the one to enter the cockpit, where he pointed a fake gun at the pilot and told him to redirect the plane. A fellow hijacker later claimed that Ogunderu pretended to be a student who wanted to look at the plane’s controls.
Although reports stated that Ogunderu wanted to land in Germany, the plane didn’t have enough fuel – as their planned journey should have only taken just over an hour.
As such, the hijacker settled on Niamey in Niger instead – where they were met with armed forces.
While the aircraft was still in the air, the hijackers doused themselves in the six litres of fuel they had smuggled onto the plane and threatened to set themselves on fire if passengers didn’t follow orders.
Threatening to blow up plane
After the plane landed, the hijackers began negotiations with the police – with the foursome initially demanding they get more fuel so they could fly to Frankfurt.
Pictured: John Dumelo playing one of the four teenage hijackers in the Netflix dramatisation of the 1993 incident
When this was denied, they teenagers urged the government to recognise the results of the June Nigerian Presidential election.
If MKO Abiola was not sworn in as President in 78 hours, the teenagers claimed they would set the plane on fire.
In an interview with The Nollywood Reporter in July 2023, Richard explained how he was connected to a BBC journalist to ‘tell the world their message’.
He added: ‘I said we were going to burn the plane within 78 hours if our requests were not met.
‘Of course, that was just a scare tactic. We’ve decided to let the pleading passengers go the next day.’
In the first two hours, the hijackers released women and children – before releasing a further 129 the following day, including the Chinese vice president.
However, they refused to give up the crew or Nigerian government workers.
At first, the authorities offered not to arrest the hijackers – as long as they released the remaining hostages.
Ogunderu added: ‘We were not afraid, at that moment, death meant nothing to us.’
Rescue operation leaves one dead
Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi & Kenny Rasaq-Lawal pictured in 2023 when they gave an interview to local media
For four days, authorities held off on entering the aircraft – fearing the hijackers may detonate a bomb.
But on 28 October, police stormed the plane in the middle of the night.
‘They thought we were asleep, so they came under the cover of the night and fired several shots,’ Ogunderu said. ‘They bombarded the plane.’
The rescue operation claimed the life of crew member Ethel Igwe while Richard was also injured. One of the hijackers later said over 300 shots were fired during the mission.
Richard told the Nollywood Reporter: ‘I am deeply sorry about [Ethel’s] death, and that in itself was one of the reasons we were clamouring for democracy.
The military government was notorious for wanton killing and abuse of human rights. That should never have happened.’
Following this, the hijackers were arrested and were sentenced to over nine months in prison in Niger. They claim to have served their sentence in one small cell, which also served as a toilet.
Despite the teenagers’ efforts, the interim military government was replaced by General Sani Abacha’s dictatorship.
The late dictator was in power from 1993 to 1998 and was the last successful military coup in the country’s history.
Although they were unsuccessful in achieving their goal, Richard Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal are seen by some as modern-day ‘heroes’.
Speaking to The Punch in 2023, Benneth Oluwadaisi said he wanted to ‘fight for the stability of democracy in Nigeria’.
In response to the report, one X user wrote: ‘These guys are heroes, honestly. The way they went about it, though, wasn’t plausible, but they have earned my respect for their courage and brevity.’
Another added: ‘In as much as this is a wrong thing to do, I’m proud of them. They fought for freedom, democracy and what they believed in.’
Kunle Afolayan’s Mother Passes On: A Tribute to a Pillar of Strength
The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning as Nollywood actor and director, Kunle Afolayan, loses his mother.
According to reports, Kunle Afolayan’s mother, Mrs. Afolayan, passed away on at the age of 81. The cause of her death is yet to be disclosed.
Kunle Afolayan took to his social media page to announce the passing of his mother, saying: “My dearest mother, I will miss you so much. You were my rock, my confidante, and my best friend. I will never forget the sacrifices you made for me and the love you showed me. Rest in peace, mama.”
The news of Kunle Afolayan’s mother’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian film industry, with many of his colleagues and fans taking to social media to express their condolences.
“Kunle, my brother, I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother,” wrote actor, Ramsey Nouah. “May she rest in peace and may God give you the strength to bear the loss.”
Kunle Afolayan’s mother was a pillar of strength and support to him throughout his career, and her passing will be deeply felt by him and his family.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has given reasons for re-arresting controversial crossdresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, known as Bobrisky.
Speaking in a telephone conversation on Friday morning, the EFCC spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, said the self-styled ‘Mummy of Lagos’ was arrested because he refused to honour several invitations sent to him.
Oyewale noted that the crossdresser was arrested in connection with the allegation of bribery against him.
“We arrested him last night and we took him to Abuja because our team investigators are in Abuja,” the EFCC spokesman said.
He continued: “He was trying to run away from mentioning those he said collected bribes from him. We sent him an invitation, but he refused to honour our invitation, and he was trying to leave the country.
“This was why we arrested him. We want him to come and mention the names of the officials involved in the bribery, but he has not shown up.”
The Guardian gathered Friday afternoon that Bobrisky has been flown to Abuja to answer questions relating to allegations of bribery and corruption.
Bobrisky was stopped and removed from an Amsterdam-bound KLM flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and detained by immigration officers late Thursday night while attempting to leave the country for London, the United Kingdom.
The popular crossdresser posted on his Instagram page to alert followers about the arrest, stating that he had sustained injuries during an altercation with the immigration officers.
Bobrisky alleged that the EFCC was responsible for his detention.
He wrote, “Nigerians help me, EFCC just arrested me. I’m badly injured.”
Bobrisky had, in a voice note shared by a controversial social critic, Martins Otse (aka VeryDarkMan) allegedly said he bribed EFCC officers with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.
Although the EFCC denied the allegations, it set up a committee to investigate the matter.
At a press briefing on Thursday, the Director of Public Affairs, Wilson Uwajaren, had hinted that Bobrisky could face a fresh charge from the commission if the allegations against the EFCC were false.
Uwujaren stated that one could be charged for giving false information to the EFCC, let alone making false allegations against the commission.
As the weekend approaches, many of us are looking for a way to get into the spooky spirit. One of the best ways to do this is by watching a scary movie. Here are some spooky movies from 2020 to 2024 that are perfect for watching this weekend:
2020 Spooky Movies
The Invisible Man (2020): This movie is a modern retelling of the classic H.G. Wells novel, and it follows a woman who escapes from an abusive relationship, only to be haunted by her ex-boyfriend, who has become invisible.
Gretel & Hansel (2020): This movie is a dark retelling of the classic fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. It follows a brother and sister who are lost in the woods and come across a witch who has sinister intentions.
The Lodge (2020): This movie follows a family who becomes trapped in a remote cabin with a sinister presence.
Antebellum (2020): This movie follows a detective who must solve a series of murders that are connected to a mysterious figure from the past.
2021 Spooky Movies
Candyman (2021): This movie is a sequel to the 1992 classic, and it follows a group of friends who are haunted by the vengeful spirit of Candyman.
The Night House (2021): This movie follows a widow who discovers that her recently deceased husband was hiding a dark secret.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021): This movie follows a smokejumper who must protect a young boy from a pair of assassins in the wilderness.
The Forever Purge (2021): This movie is the fifth installment in the Purge franchise, and it follows a group of people who must survive a night of chaos and violence.
2022 Spooky Movies
Scream (2022): This movie is a reboot of the classic franchise, and it follows a group of friends who are being stalked by a masked killer.
The Black Phone (2022): This movie follows a young boy who is kidnapped by a serial killer and must use a mysterious phone to escape.
Barbarian (2022): This movie follows a woman who books a rental home, only to discover that it is already occupied by a strange man.
Smile (2022): This movie follows a woman who is haunted by a mysterious smile that seems to be spreading to those around her.
2023 Spooky Movies
M3GAN (2023): This movie follows a robotic doll that becomes self-aware and starts to wreak havoc on its owner’s life.
The Pope’s Exorcist (2023): This movie follows a priest who is tasked with performing an exorcism on a young boy.
The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023): This movie is a horror film based on the true story of the Demeter, a ship that was said to be haunted by vampires.
Insidious: The Red Door (2023): This movie is the fifth installment in the Insidious franchise, and it follows a family who must navigate a haunted house.
2024 Spooky Movies
The Exorcist: Believer (2024): This movie is a sequel to the 1973 classic, and it follows a group of people who are haunted by a demonic presence.
The Conjuring 4 (2024): This movie is the fourth installment in the Conjuring franchise, and it follows a pair of paranormal investigators who must solve a series of mysterious events.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024): This movie is a prequel to the 2018 film, and it follows a family as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world where monsters that hunt by sound have taken over.
Hellraiser: Inferno (2024): This movie is a reboot of the Hellraiser franchise, and it follows a group of people who are haunted by the vengeful spirit of Pinhead.
These are just a few of the many spooky movies that you can watch this weekend. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic horror film or a modern thriller, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Reflecting on his family commitment, he said, “But more importantly than I am a husband and a father. We just had our second child, who is an amazing young boy.”
Banky W and Adesua married in South Africa in November 2017.
They welcomed their first child, Hazaiah Olusegun Wellington, in 2021.
US rapper Young Thug freed after guilty plea in street gang case
Rapper Young Thug was released from jail Thursday after pleading guilty to involvement in a criminal gang as well as drug and firearms charges, an abrupt twist to the longest trial in the history of the southern US state of Georgia.
The 33-year-old Atlanta artist, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, was one of 28 alleged street gang members indicted in May 2022 on racketeering and other charges.
Prosecutors accused Young Thug of being the leader of YSL, or Young Slime Life, a part of the Bloods gang, and charged him with violating state racketeering laws.
The underlying offenses in the racketeering indictment included murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing and theft.
The Grammy-winning rapper pleaded no contest to racketeering charges and no contest to being a leader of a criminal street gang, but guilty to six other counts including firearms and drug charges.
The New York Times reported he was sentenced to time served and 15 years of probation by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who replaced a previous judge who presided over the protracted trial.
Online Fulton County jail records showed Young Thug was released Thursday in a listing under his birth name. The disposition of the charges were listed as “time served” or “probation” on the database listing.
Jury selection in the case began in January 2023 but opening arguments were not held until November 27 of that year.
During opening arguments, prosecutors said Young Thug’s record label, YSL, was a front for a crime ring and he was the leader.
“The evidence will show that YSL checks all of the boxes for being a criminal street gang,” Fulton County prosecutor Adriane Love said.
Love read verses from Young Thug’s track “Take It To Trial,” saying the lyrics the prosecution had identified had “an uncanny similarity to very true, and very real, and quite specific events.”
“We didn’t chase the lyrics to solve the murder, we chased the murder and found the lyrics,” she said.
The defense insisted that YSL stands for Young Stoner Life Records, a hip-hop label that Young Thug founded in 2016 and which, they say, amounts to a vague association of artists, not a gang.
Defense attorneys had sought to exclude lyrics from evidence, saying that “rap is the only fictional art form treated this way.”
A rap vanguard essential to the Atlanta scene, Young Thug is one of contemporary hip-hop’s most famous and most idiosyncratic figures.
BREAKING: Popular Yoruba Actor, Charles Olumo ‘Agbako’ is Dead
Veteran Nollywood actor Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, better known by his stage names Charles Olumo and Agbako, has passed away, leaving a profound legacy in Nigeria’s film industry. The sad news of Agbako’s death was shared by fellow actor Jide Kosoko in a heartfelt Instagram post on Thursday.
Although Kosoko did not disclose the details surrounding Agbako’s death, he paid tribute with a simple and poignant message: “Good night ooo, Baba Charles. a.k.a Agbako, 102 years, ba wasa ba. R I P,” indicating the actor’s remarkable longevity and vibrant spirit.Born on February 19, 1923, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Agbako had a fascinating journey before finding his calling in acting. He initially worked as a mechanic and even dabbled in amateur boxing, displaying his multi-talented nature. In 1953, he took a decisive step towards acting, beginning his career with a drama group at the Apostolic Church in Mushin, Lagos State.
This was a turning point, as he soon became a beloved figure in Nigerian theater and, later, in Yoruba cinema.
Agbako’s impact on the film industry is legendary, particularly in the Yoruba-speaking regions, where his powerful performances captivated audiences.
Over the years, he starred in many popular films that cemented his status as a household name, including ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘Jagun,’ ‘Amin Orun,’ ‘Aiye,’ ‘Jayesinmi,’ ‘Soworo Ide,’ and ‘Igbo Dudu.’ Each role showcased his versatility and skill, earning him a devoted fan base and respect from colleagues and viewers alike.
His career spanned over four decades, highlighting not only his enduring passion for acting but also his ability to adapt to the changing landscape of the film industry.
Known for his memorable performances and unique style, Agbako leaves behind an indelible mark on Nollywood and will be fondly remembered as one of the pioneers of Yoruba cinema.
His passing at the age of 102 is a reminder of a life well-lived and a career that inspired countless others.