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Boat driver transporting late Junior Pope, other actors not certified- NSIB

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report on the boat accident involving Nollywood actors in Anambra, revealing that the boat driver was not certified.

The NSIB revealed this on Friday during a press briefing coinciding with the release of four other final and preliminary reports by the agency.

The Director General, NSIB, Alex Badeh, presented two final reports on aviation incidents, one preliminary report on an aviation incident, and a preliminary report on a marine accident, accompanied by 20 safety recommendations.

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The boat was carrying 12 actors and crew members when it crashed, resulting in the loss of five passengers, including popular Nollywood actor Mr. Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope.

The Director of Transport Investigation, who presented the preliminary report and other findings during the briefing, stated that the speedboat capsized, throwing all occupants into the Anam River. According to him, five passengers were fatally injured, and seven were rescued alive.

The NSIB was not officially notified but learned about the accident through social media. Investigators from NSIB’s Enugu Regional office were dispatched to the accident site on April 12, 2024.

According to the agency, initial findings revealed that the boat driver was not certified, the fibre boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority, and the outboard engine fibre boat was carrying 12 passengers and one boat driver.

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The director said, “There was only one person on the wooden fishing canoe. This rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required.

“The boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed.
“The only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat jumped into the river and escaped; The boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard were flung into Anam River.”

The report indicated that although five passengers aboard the boat sustained fatal injuries, the driver and seven other passengers survived the collision.

“Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket. The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator.

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“The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors. The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. There was no manifest of passengers and persons onboard the boat. The rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”

In its safety recommendations, the bureau urged the National Inland Waterways Authority to ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities within the national inland waterways are registered, adding the authority must ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in our inland waterways.

Junior Pope died after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra state on April 10, 2024.

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Entertainment

I’m broke yet accused of money laundering – VDM breaks silence after EFCC release

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Popular social activist Martins Vincent Otse widely known as Verydarkman has reacted to allegations of financial malfeasance which led to his arrest by the EFCC.

In a viral video recorded by his lawyer after his release this evening, VDM expressed disbelief over the charges of money laundering brought against him, questioning why such accusations would be directed at someone who is not wealthy.

“How would they level allegations of money laundering on someone who doesn’t have money? I have done so many charity, they wonder how, they don’t know I use debt for charity. Anyway, we are outside, with my lawyer of course.” he said.

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How I narrowly escaped death in U.S hotel room – Seun Kuti

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By Francesca Hangeior

Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has shared his harrowing experience in the United States when a stray bullet pierced through the window of his hotel room.

He shared the terrifying encounter on his Instagram page, posting a video of the damaged window and bullet hole.

Seun, who expressed shock, questioned the perception of safety in America.

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In the video, Seun Kuti said that he was in his hotel room, relaxing, when the bullet suddenly came through the window.

“I read somewhere that these are the civilised people. Tell me you are in America without telling me you are in America. I am in my hotel room just chilling and boom this happened”, he said.

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Funke Akindele paid, secured Lagos best doctor for my wife’s delivery – Kamo

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By Francesca Hangeior

Actor and skit maker Kamo State has penned a heartfelt note to his senior colleague and godmother, Funke Akindele, expressing deepest gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his wife’s pregnancy and childbirth.

He described her as “an angel in human form” and highlighted her selfless acts, including securing one of Lagos’s best doctors for his wife’s care and covering all medical expenses.

According to Kamo, she also offered to fly Kamo State’s wife to the US for the baby’s birth when she found out about the pregnancy late.

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He wrote: “AN ANGEL IN HUMAN FORM (Iyami Olufunke Mi Owon). To the woman who embodies love, strength, and unwavering support, my dearest godmother, Lafunky Omo Akindele. Where do I even begin to express the depth of my gratitude for all you do? You’ve always stood by me, a beacon of light in every storm, and a source of endless encouragement.

“I’ll never forget the nights you spent by my side at the hospital, your presence, a soothing balm, your vigilance, a testament to your love. Even when I told you about the pregnancy late, you were ready to fly my wife to the US for the baby’s birth, showing the lengths you’d go to for us. We were supposed to go to Dubai together when I told you my wife’s expected delivery date is close,you insisted I stay with her while you’re in Dubai with your kids, and you called my wife every single day, just to check up on her and make sure she was doing well any day I didn’t pick call like this you’ll fight me ni ooo that you must talk to ESTHER to check her, you told your driver and security details to follow us to the hospital even if we call them in the midnight, ensuring we were safe and sound. You secured one of the best doctors in Lagos for my wife and took care of every single bill, showing your selfless generosity. You prayed for my wife in our prayer group every single time, and you forced me to pray countless times, always reminding me of the power of faith. And now, as we shall be christening our baby this Tuesday, you’ve once again stepped forward, sponsoring the naming from the food to the beautiful outfits for my wife and me, you’re taking care of everything, ensuring that this celebration is as special as possible.

“IYAMI IYAMI, your generosity knows no bounds, and your love is a gift I cherish every single day. I wanted to write more, but I’m honestly short of words to express how much you mean to me. I pray that God blesses you abundantly, showering you with health, happiness, and all the good things life offers. Thank you for being the amazing woman you are, and for showing me the true meaning of family. I owe you so much, and I’ll spend a lifetime trying to repay the kindness you’ve shown me. I love you dearly!”.

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