Entertainment
Boat Driver Transporting Late Junior Pope, Other Actors Not Certified – NSIB
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the boat accident which involved several Nollywood actors, including late Junior Pope in Anambra recently.
The report stated that the boat driver was not certified.
This information was disclosed during a press briefing on Friday where the NSIB presented four reports, including two final aviation incident reports, one preliminary aviation incident report, and one preliminary marine accident report, along with 20 safety recommendations.
BIZTELLERS reports that the tragic incident took place on April 10, 2024, as the boat was ferrying 12 actors and crew members along the Anam River in Anambra State.
The accident led to the unfortunate loss of five passengers, among them the renowned Nollywood actor Mr. Paul Odonwodo, widely recognized as Junior Pope.
Among those who tragically perished in the incident were Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.
Engr. Abdullahi Babanya, Director of Transport Investigation, presented the preliminary findings during the briefing, revealing that the speed boat capsized, throwing all occupants into the Anam River.
Regrettably, five passengers sustained fatal injuries, while seven were rescued alive.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) was not formally notified but learned of the accident through social media channels. Subsequently, investigators from the Enugu Regional office of NSIB were dispatched to the accident site on April 12, 2024.
According to the NSIB, initial findings revealed several critical issues: the boat driver lacked certification, the fiber boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority, and it was carrying 12 passengers along with one boat driver.
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.”
As per the preliminary report, while five passengers tragically succumbed to their injuries, the remaining seven passengers along with the driver survived the crash.
He said “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.
“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. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”
The bureau’s safety recommendations emphasized the necessity for the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to guarantee the registration of all boats involved in commercial activities, encompassing both goods and passenger transportation within the national inland waterways.
Moreover, NIWA was urged to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of comprehensive safety measures across inland waterways.
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, has debunked a viral announcement about his alleged separation from his wife, actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia.
The now-deleted post, which appeared on his Instagram account, claimed the couple was parting ways, sparking widespread speculation among fans and the entertainment community.
RELATED NEWS: Shock As 2Baba Announces Separation From Wife, Annie Idibia
In a swift response, the legendary singer clarified the situation on Sunday through a new statement shared on his Instagram page.
He assured his followers that the earlier post did not originate from him, explaining that his account had been compromised.
“My Instagram account has been hacked, efforts are being carried out to take back control #onelove!” 2Baba wrote, urging fans to disregard the false information.
2Baba and Annie, who tied the knot in 2012, have two children together and are celebrated as one of the most enduring power couples in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Despite occasional rumors, the duo has often shared glimpses of their strong bond, silencing critics and admirers alike.
Nigerian music icon Innocent Idibia, widely known as 2Baba, has announced that he and his wife, actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia, have been separated for some time and are now in the process of filing for divorce.
The singer broke the news in a statement shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.
While addressing his fans, 2Baba expressed his intention to release a formal statement soon to clarify his side of the story.
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He wrote “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long. I and Annie Macaulay have been separated for a while now and currently filed divorce.
“I would grant a press release soon to say my story—not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life, but because I love my people, and I need them to know my innocence or offense. Stay blessed my people. I love you all.” he added
Nigerian socialite and businessman, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, has refuted allegations of fathering a child with a Kenyan woman named Helen.
The socialite, during an interview on Channels Television’s Rubbin’ Minds on Sunday, described the claims as a calculated attempt to disrupt his marriage.
Helen has publicly accused Chief Priest of abandoning her after she gave birth to a son she claims is his.
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However, the businessman has repeatedly denied the allegations, asserting that he has no connection to the woman or her child.
“Children are a gift from God regardless of how they come, and I have more than enough to take care of my children, as many as possible that will come my way,” Chief Priest said.
“I have a beautiful marriage; this is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and if you watch the whole attack, it is on the marriage.”
When asked whether he would have accepted the child if proven to be his, the socialite responded, “Of course.”
He also expressed his willingness to undergo a paternity test but criticized the tone of the allegations. “You cannot bash me this hard and expect my loyalty,” he added.
Chief Priest further stated that the controversy has not impacted his marriage, emphasizing the strength of his bond with his wife. “We are not just husband and wife; we are business partners and associates that are inseparable,” he said.
He also suggested that the timing of the allegations raised questions about the accuser’s motives.
“The woman is always popping up every time I have an issue that goes viral. This shows that she has an ulterior motive rather than genuinely looking for the father of her child,” he stated.
The businessman noted that the saga has persisted for some time but maintained that he has no knowledge of the individuals orchestrating the accusations.
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