By Dan Opara

A light aircraft, Cessna 172, operated by Skypower Express, crash landed on Tuesday night, December 16, 2025, at the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Imo State, resulting in the hospitalization of four persons.

Eyewitnesses said the aircraft encountered difficulties during landing, lost stability on the runway, and subsequently somersaulted before coming to a halt within the airport premises.

The incident triggered panic among airport personnel and onlookers, although no lives were lost.

Emergency response teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, where the injured occupants were rescued and immediately transported to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment.

Airport officials confirmed that the four victims are currently receiving medical care, and their condition was described as stable as of the time of filing this report.

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau, NSIB, has commenced a formal investigation into the incident to ascertain both the immediate and underlying causes of the crash landing.

The investigation is expected to focus on the aircraft’s technical condition, prevailing weather conditions, pilot actions, and other operational factors surrounding the occurrence.

Following the accident, airport operations were temporarily disrupted, but normal activities were later restored after safety officials secured the affected area.

Authorities at the airport assured the public that all necessary safety measures are being strengthened to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, stakeholders within the aviation sector have expressed concern over the incident and called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to further enhance aviation safety standards in the country.

Ekwutosblog gathered the report through monitored information circulating on social media, as prayers and goodwill messages continue to pour in for the quick recovery of those hospitalized, while the public awaits the outcome of the NSIB investigation.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained social media influencer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, following a viral video that showed him driving recklessly and crashing his vehicle during a live stream.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 16, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi. According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and sparked widespread public outrage.

The command said the influencer’s conduct posed a serious threat to public safety and required immediate intervention.

“The Lagos State Police Command has arrested and detained, for further investigation, Habeeb Hamzat aka ‘PELLER’, subsequent to the viral video that surfaced online on Sunday 14th December, 2025, in which he was seen driving recklessly, leading to a dangerous road crash and serious motor accident, while the incident was being live streamed, thereby endangering his life and that of other road users,” the statement said.

The police described the act as extremely dangerous, warning that it could have resulted in fatal consequences for both the suspect and other road users.

“His action constitutes a deliberate attempt to commit suicide and endangers the lives of other innocent people,” the statement added.

The command disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.

“The case is currently being investigated by the State Criminal Investigation Department. The outcome of the investigation will be made public, and the suspect will be charged to the court of competent jurisdiction in accordance with the law,” the police said.

Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, issued a strong warning to social media influencers and the general public against using online platforms to promote unlawful behavior.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received with deep sadness the news of the passing of former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad.

Justice Tanko, 71, from Bauchi State, died on Tuesday in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 2019 to 2022.

President Tinubu describes the late Justice Tanko as an eminent legal mind, a disciplined administrator, and a dedicated public servant who devoted most of his life to upholding justice and strengthening the judiciary.

The President notes that the deceased’s career on the Bench, which culminated in his appointment as CJN, was marked by integrity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

President Tinubu says the late jurist made invaluable contributions to the development of Nigeria’s legal system, acknowledging that his legacy will remain indelible, particularly among those he mentored.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to his family, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, the Bar and Bench, and the government and people of Bauchi State.

He prays to Almighty Allah for the repose of his soul.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
16th December, 2025