By Paul Joseph
The last conversation between Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel I. and his friend, Joseph Oche, reportedly centred on a faulty aircraft in Benin and financial difficulties among Nigerian Air Force personnel, with Samuel allegedly asking to borrow ₦20,000 shortly before boarding the aircraft that later crashed in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Key Highlights
- Sergeant Izibenikien Samuel I. reportedly spoke to his friend about three hours before the crash.
- His friend, Joseph Oche, said Samuel told him the aircraft had developed a fault in Benin.
- Oche alleged that Samuel asked to borrow ₦20,000 because allowances had not been paid.
- The aircraft reportedly departed Benin on Monday before crashing in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
- Oche described Samuel as a close friend and said he was the best man at his wedding.
- Claims about the aircraft fault and unpaid allowances had not been independently verified at the time of filing.
Sergeant’s Final Conversation Before Crash
According to Oche, he spoke with Samuel at about 7am on Monday, approximately three hours before the aircraft crashed in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, at around 10am.
Oche said Samuel told him that the aircraft had developed a fault in Benin, forcing the military personnel to remain there instead of continuing with their planned journey.
According to the account, the personnel were originally scheduled to travel from Benin to Lagos on Sunday, but the journey was reportedly delayed after the aircraft developed a problem.
The trip was subsequently rescheduled for Monday, when the aircraft departed before the crash in Igbokoda.
‘He Asked to Borrow Me ₦20,000’
Oche also claimed that Samuel asked him to lend him ₦20,000, saying the personnel had not received their allowances.
He said he gave Samuel the money on Sunday, September 27, 2026, which he identified as the last time they met.
Oche, who described Samuel as a close friend and said he served as the best man at Samuel’s wedding, expressed deep grief over the crash.
He also raised concerns about the welfare and financial circumstances of personnel serving in the Nigerian Air Force.
Claims Yet to Be Independently Verified
The allegations concerning the aircraft developing a fault in Benin and the reported non-payment of allowances were made by Oche and had not been independently verified at the time of filing this report.
The circumstances surrounding the aircraft’s reported technical condition before the crash remain subject to official investigation.
Similarly, the reported payment status of allowances to the personnel involved has not been independently established from official sources.
Read also:
- NAF Plane Crash in Ondo: Swampy Terrain Stalls Recovery as 25 Victims Remain Unrecovered
- Newlywed NAF Pilot Among 25 Killed In Ondo Air Force Crash
- Adamawa Mourns Master Warrant Officer Matini Among Ondo Air Force Crash Victims
Search and Recovery Operation Continues
Meanwhile, search and recovery efforts are continuing following the military aircraft crash in Igbokoda, Ondo State.
Search teams are working to locate personnel who were aboard the aircraft and recover debris from the crash site.
The ongoing operation is expected to provide further information about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the fate of those aboard the aircraft.
For more updates on the Ondo military plane crash and other breaking news, follow us on X.
