News
Niger Delta Group Demands Forensic Probe of NDDC Over Alleged Sylva Links
Niger Delta stakeholders demand forensic audit of NDDC finances and projects over alleged links to Timipre Sylva and calls for investigation into contract management
Stakeholders under the Niger Delta Integrity and Democracy Network (NDIDN) have called for a forensic investigation into the finances and projects of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), citing alleged political and financial connections involving former Bayelsa State Governor Timipre Sylva.
Also read: Gov. Obaseki calls for NDDC’s restructuring
NDDC forensic audit Timipre Sylva link call was made in a statement signed by NDIDN National Coordinator, Comrade Francis Edafe, who raised concerns over alleged influence networks within the commission’s leadership.
The group alleged that the current NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has close political ties to Sylva, including claims that he previously served as his Chief of Staff during his tenure as governor.
NDIDN further alleged that family and political connections linked to Sylva may have influenced appointments within the commission, raising questions about governance and accountability.
The stakeholders also questioned the performance of the NDDC, arguing that despite significant funding, many Niger Delta communities continue to face environmental degradation, abandoned projects, and unemployment.
They called for a comprehensive forensic audit of all contracts, financial transactions, and ongoing projects handled by the commission.
The group urged agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to investigate alleged financial irregularities tied to NDDC operations.
NDIDN also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure accountability and strengthen oversight of the intervention agency.
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It vowed to continue advocacy until concrete action is taken to address what it described as governance and transparency concerns within the commission.
The Nigerian Air Force has confirmed that all 25 people aboard its ATR-42 aircraft, NAF 931, died after the aircraft crashed in the Igbokoda area of Ondo State.
The aircraft, which had five crew members and 20 passengers on board, was on a routine mission from Benin to Lagos when the NAF 931 aircraft crash occurred on Monday, October 5, 2026. Search-and-rescue operations were immediately activated following the accident.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, described the incident as a deeply painful moment for the Nigerian Air Force and the country, while extending condolences to the families, colleagues and loved ones of those who died.
Aneke assured the bereaved families of the Nigerian Air Force’s full support as they come to terms with the loss.
The Air Force said no survivors had been found and released the names of the five crew members and 20 passengers on board the aircraft.
The crew members were identified as Squadron Leader M.I. Aburime, Flight Captain; Squadron Leader A.P. Man-Ugwueje, Co-pilot; Flight Lieutenant I.S. Bako, Co-pilot; Warrant Officer A. Abubakar, Aircraft Technician; and Corporal H.C. Uguru, Aircraft Technician.
The 20 passengers were Flight Lieutenant T.L. Lazarus; Flight Lieutenant M. Akinloye; Flying Officer I.M. Adeshina; Master Warrant Officer F. Onwuka; Master Warrant Officer B.A. Matini; Warrant Officer F.S. Nuhu; Flight Sergeant R.B. James; Flight Sergeant A.I. Mohammed; Sergeant A.E. Ani; Sergeant S.I. Izibenikien; Sergeant C. Alafuka; Sergeant A.N. Mbadugha; Lance Corporal F.C. Ugwuba; Lance Corporal G.E. Eledan; Mrs Ezeh Nneka; Godstmine Tarabina; Joy Micheal; Sunday Micheal; Ukeme David; and Gideon Omotola.
The latest figure released by the Air Force differs from the initial information provided after the crash. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had initially said 32 people, comprising 25 passengers and seven crew members, were aboard the aircraft. The Nigerian Air Force subsequently clarified that the manifest contained 25 people, made up of five crew members and 20 passengers.
The aircraft crashed in a swampy area around Igbokoda, close to a naval base, after air traffic controllers lost contact with it at about 9:13am while it was travelling from Benin to Lagos. The wreckage was later located and rescue teams were deployed to the area.
The cause of the crash has not been established. The Chief of the Air Staff has directed a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
President Bola Tinubu had also directed the Nigerian Air Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and declared three days of national mourning for the personnel who died. He ordered that national flags be flown at half-mast throughout the country in honour of the victims.
The Air Force said it would continue to provide timely and verified information as the investigation progresses. It also urged members of the public to avoid speculation and the circulation of unverified information, while respecting the privacy and dignity of the affected families.
A condolence register has been opened at the Headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force in Abuja for senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, heads of security agencies and other well-wishers who wish to pay their respects and convey messages of sympathy to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian Air Force.
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