NAF Scandal: Ondo Crash Victim's Family Alleges Cover-Up, Military Initiates Probe

A thorough investigation is underway into the crash of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) ATR-42 aircraft in Ondo State, following serious allegations by the brother of a deceased female sergeant that the plane had developed a mechanical fault before its fatal flight. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force, confirmed that the issues raised by the bereaved man would form part of the ongoing investigation, stating that all circumstances surrounding the incident, including the allegations, would be examined.

The brother of the victim accused the military of downplaying the crash, alleging that his sister informed him the aircraft had a technical problem and made an unscheduled stop in Benin City, Edo State, for repairs before continuing its journey. He questioned why the aircraft was allowed to proceed to Lagos if the reported fault had not been adequately resolved, demanding to know which military commander authorized the flight. In a video circulating on social media, he presented what he claimed was evidence, including messages exchanged with his sister, indicating the aircraft's prior issues. He recounted how his sister had asked him for money while in Benin City, and the aircraft departed shortly after he transferred it, approximately 5-10 minutes later.

These allegations are supported by earlier exclusive reports from SaharaReporters, published on October 7, 2026. These reports claimed that the NAF ATR-42 aircraft, marked NAF 931, had indeed developed an engine fault in Benin City on Sunday, October 4, 2026, a day before the crash. Multiple sources, including a passenger, stated the plane was traveling from Abuja to Lagos when it developed an engine problem during a stop in Benin City. Technicians reportedly worked on the aircraft overnight, and it took off for Lagos on Monday morning after engineers allegedly rectified the fault, only to crash minutes later near the Naval Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State. SaharaReporters also reported that the aircraft had previously undergone prolonged maintenance at a facility in Germany for almost three years, returning to Nigeria in December 2024. The NAF had initially described the ill-fated flight as a routine mission from Benin City to Lagos, a characterization disputed by the victim's brother and sources in the exclusive reports.

Beyond the circumstances of the crash, the deceased sergeant’s brother expressed profound frustration over a perceived lack of communication from the Nigerian Air Force. Despite being his sister’s next of kin, he claimed he had not received meaningful updates about victim recovery, the investigation, or arrangements for affected families several days after the crash. He also raised concerns about the remuneration and welfare of military personnel, revealing that his sister, despite serving for over 11 years, had less than ₦17,000 in her bank account shortly before the incident. He alleged that personnel often struggle financially, sometimes forced to borrow money, and claimed salaries were not consistently paid. He questioned the adequacy of welfare provisions given the risks military personnel face and his sister's responsibility for her children.

Following the crash, the Nigerian Air Force assured families of a thorough investigation. Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, the Chief of the Air Staff, visited the accident site and the aircraft’s home unit in Benin City, pledging professionalism, transparency, and accountability. He assured affected families of continued support, including emotional, administrative, and institutional assistance, and announced scholarship awards for the children of deceased personnel. The NAF cautioned against speculation, emphasizing that conclusions would be guided by the findings of the investigation, with all relevant evidence being secured, documented, and preserved at the secured accident site.

The bereaved brother called for the Nigerian Air Force to disclose the complete sequence of events leading to the crash, definitively clarify whether the aircraft had a mechanical fault, and identify the officers who authorized its departure from Benin City if any wrongdoing is found. He stated his readiness to provide investigators with messages and other materials he believes could help establish what happened before the tragic accident, which he believes was avoidable.