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Kazakhstan says it will send Azerbaijan Airlines black boxes to Brazil as crash probe continues

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The wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lies on the ground near the airport of Aktau, 25, December, 2024 Azamat Sarsenbayev/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

Kazakhstan has decided to send the downed Azerbaijan Airlines flight recorders to Brazil, Kazakhstan’s government sources told Euronews in a statement, in a move which indicates the country’s will for full and transparent disclosure of the tragedy.

In the statement, the government in Astana says it made the decision as the Azal aircraft was manufactured in Brazil and comes after “after consultations with Azerbaijan and Russia”.

“In accordance with the standards of Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention, the state conducting the investigation ensures the reading of flight recorders and decides on the selection of a country to read and decode the black boxes,” the statement said, adding that Kazakhstan is a member of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).”

The wreckage of Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 lies on the ground near the airport of Aktau, 25, December, 2024 Azamat Sarsenbayev/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

 

The decision indicates that Kazakhstan is in line with Azerbaijan’s demand for a transparent investigation into the circumstances in which Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 crashed as it attempted to make an emergency landing near Aktau on Wednesday.

Azerbaijan says the aircraft was hit by a Russian surface to air missile over Grozny, the regional capital of the Russian republic of Chechnya, then ordered to fly across the Caspian Sea after it was denied an emergency landing at two Russian airports nearby.

Aliyev “upset and surprised” by Russian version of events

Hours before Kazakhstan announced its decision, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev said the airliner was hit by fire from the ground over Russia and “rendered uncontrollable by electronic warfare.”

Aliyev accused Russia of trying to “hush up” the issue for several days, saying he was “upset and surprised” by versions of events put forward by Russian officials.

“Unfortunately, for the first three days we heard nothing from Russia except delirious versions,” he said.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan made three demands to Russia in connection with the crash.

“First, the Russian side must apologise to Azerbaijan. Second, it must admit its guilt. Third, punish the guilty, bring them to criminal responsibility and pay compensation to the Azerbaijani state, the injured passengers and crew members,” he said.

Mourners at the funeral of First Officer Aleksandr Kalyaninov in Baku, 29 December, 2024 AP/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved

 

Aliyev noted that the first demand was “already fulfilled” when Russian President Vladimir Putin apologised to him on Saturday.

Putin called the crash a “tragic incident” though stopped short of acknowledging Moscow’s responsibility.

The Kremlin said that air defence systems were firing near Grozny, where the plane attempted to land, to deflect a Ukrainian drone strike.

Aliyev said that an investigation into the crash was ongoing, and that “the final version (of events) will be known after the black boxes are opened.”

He noted that Azerbaijan was always “in favour of a group of international experts” investigating the crash and had “categorically refused” Russia’s suggestion that the Interstate Aviation Committee, which oversees civil aviation in the Commonwealth of Independent States, investigate it.

“It is no secret that this organisation consists mostly of Russian officials and is headed by Russian citizens. The factors of objectivity could not be fully ensured here,” Aliyev said.

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2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post

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This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.

For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.

His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?

Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?

At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.

 

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BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road

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An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.

The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.

In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.

“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.

It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.

Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.

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Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra

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The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.

“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said

The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.

According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.

He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.

The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.

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