Babafemi Ojudu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has recalled how former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello warned former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo against visiting the Kabba area of the state.
In 2019, Osinbajo was involved in a helicopter crash in Kabba, Kogi State, during a political campaign.
The captain of the helicopter was blamed for allegedly deploying inappropriate landing techniques, and not adhering to company procedures.
The incident generated so much buzz across the country at the time, with many linking it to attempted political sabotage.
Reminiscing the helicopter crash, Ojudu recalled that Bello warned Osinbajo against visiting Kabba because the people of the area had “spiritual powers”.
Ojudu said Bello had disclosed that Osinbajo was warned that they might harm him if he stepped foot in their domain.
The former presidential aide made the revelation while reacting to the helicopter crash that killed two ministers and six others in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
Due to the alleged spiritual threat, Ojudu disclosed that Bello had refused to visit the site after the crash, stressing that they had to travel down to his residence in the Okene area of the state.
In a post on his Facebook page, tagged ‘My Helicopter Crash Experience’, Ojudu wrote: “I remembered February 2, 2019 — the day the sky almost swallowed us.”
“Despite being in government, many of us paid for our own hotels, logistics, even our food. (More on that in my memoir.)
“That day, we were to land in Kabba, Kogi State — a town the state governor had warned us against visiting. He claimed the people there had “spiritual powers” and might harm him if he stepped foot in their domain.
“We travelled in two helicopters: one belonging to the Nigeria Police, carrying the advance team, and the other — a Caverton chopper — carrying the Vice President, myself, Minister of State for Labour Stephen Ochei, Femi Osinbajo, Media Adviser Laolu Akande, and three security operatives.
“Then the second waits for the dust to settle before descending. That afternoon, something went wrong. The dust hadn’t cleared, yet our chopper began its descent. Suddenly, a brown cloud enveloped everything. We could see nothing. And then — a loud, terrifying thud.
“The impact jolted us violently. Despite our seatbelts, we were tossed around like rag dolls. Phones, iPads, caps — all went flying. Panic filled the air. “Jesus! Jesus!” voices cried out in chaos. I shouted, “Calm down! Calm down!” trying to hold it together.
“Despite being in government, many of us paid for our own hotels, logistics, even our food. (More on that in my memoir.)
“That day, we were to land in Kabba, Kogi State — a town the state governor had warned us against visiting. He claimed the people there had “spiritual powers” and might harm him if he stepped foot in their domain. He refused to receive us — and true to his word, stayed away. Even when news of the crash broke, he didn’t come.
“We travelled in two helicopters: one belonging to the Nigeria Police, carrying the advance team, and the other — a Caverton chopper — carrying the Vice President, myself, Minister of State for Labour Stephen Ochei, Femi Osinbajo, Media Adviser Laolu Akande, and three security operatives.
“Protocol required that the advance chopper land first, kicking up the dust. Then the second waits for the dust to settle before descending. That afternoon, something went wrong. The dust hadn’t cleared, yet our chopper began its descent. Suddenly, a brown cloud enveloped everything. We could see nothing. And then — a loud, terrifying thud.
“The impact jolted us violently. Despite our seatbelts, we were tossed around like rag dolls. Phones, iPads, caps — all went flying. Panic filled the air. “Jesus! Jesus!” voices cried out in chaos. I shouted, “Calm down! Calm down!” trying to hold it together.”
