Tragedy Strikes Rivers State: Eight Feared Dead in Helicopter Crash.

A devastating helicopter crash occurred yesterday, October 24, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving all eight passengers feared dead. The helicopter, a Sikorsky SK76 operated by East Wind Aviation, took off from Port Harcourt Military Base and was headed to the FPSO-NUIMS ANTAN oil rig when it ditched into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima.

 Crash Details

• Time of crash: 11:22 am
• Helicopter registration: 5NBQG
• Number of passengers: 8 (6 passengers, 2 crew members)
• Operator: East Wind Aviation

 Response and Investigation

The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and is working with other agencies to recover the aircraft and occupants. The Marine Division of the Police Command is leading the recovery efforts. The National Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also commenced an investigation into the crash.

 Reactions

The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed the incident. The Rivers State Police Command has extended its deepest condolences to the families of the victims.

This tragic incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, and our thoughts are with the families of the deceased. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Binance Executive Tigran Gambaryan Freed and Departs Nigeria.

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s Head of Financial Crime Compliance, has left Nigeria after eight months of detention following the Federal Government’s decision to drop money laundering charges against him. Gambaryan’s health had significantly deteriorated during his imprisonment, and his release allows him to receive necessary medical attention.

Background of the Case

Gambaryan and his colleague, Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were detained in February 2024 on allegations of laundering $35 million. Anjarwalla escaped custody on March 22, 2024, while Gambaryan remained in detention and was arraigned in court on April 8.

Release and Reaction

A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the charges due to Gambaryan’s declining health, which had worsened to the point where he required a wheelchair. Yuki Gambaryan, Tigran’s wife, expressed relief and gratitude, stating, “It is a huge relief that this day has finally come… I want to express my deepest gratitude to the US government for their efforts in securing his release.”

Reaction from Binance

Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, confirmed Gambaryan’s departure from Nigeria in a statement, saying: “Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention.”

Gambaryan’s wife, Yuki, also expressed her gratitude to supporters, stating: “There were moments I feared this day would never come, but Tigran’s supporters gave me hope and strength. The road ahead for Tigran’s recovery is going to be difficult, and I appreciate being given the time and space to focus on that. Our children cannot wait to see their dad again.”

Implications

The dismissal of charges and Gambaryan’s release raise questions about Nigeria’s handling of international cases and potential implications for foreign investment.

Investigation and Future Actions

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) initiated the case against Gambaryan and Anjarwalla. The EFCC stated that the case could not proceed due to Gambaryan’s declining health.

International Response

The US government’s efforts in securing Gambaryan’s release highlight international concerns about Nigeria’s judicial process and treatment of foreign nationals.

Tigran Gambaryan’s release and departure from Nigeria mark the end of an eight-month ordeal. As he receives medical attention and reunites with his family, attention turns to the broader implications of this case for international relations and Nigeria’s justice system.

Nigerian Troops Nab IPOB/ESN Founding Member, Other Top Commanders in Imo, Abia.

In a significant blow to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), Nigerian troops have arrested key leaders and commanders in Imo and Abia states. Among those captured is Pius Iguh, a founding father of ESN in Orsu, Imo State.

 Key Arrests:

• Pius Iguh: IPOB/ESN founding member and leader in Orsu
• Emmanuel Onwugu: IPOB commander arrested in Mbano, Abia State
• Ifeanyi Rock: Notorious cult leader and 10 combatants captured in Arochukwu

According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and arrested 12 extremists between October 15 and 18, 2024. The successful operations took place in Orsu, Obubra, and Arochukwu.

Recovered Items:

• 10 AK47 rifles
• 15 pump action guns
• 4 locally fabricated guns
• 153 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition

The defence spokesman also reported that within the past week, 140 terrorists were neutralized, and 135 suspects arrested across Nigeria. Additionally, troops thwarted illegal oil operations in the Niger Delta, recovering over one million litres of crude oil and denying theft worth N1.7 billion.