IBB Denies Conspiracy Theories on 1992 C-130 Air Crash in New Book

IBB Denies Conspiracy Theories on 1992 C-130 Air Crash in New Book

Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has refuted long-standing rumors that his administration deliberately orchestrated the 1992 Nigerian Air Force C-130 crash to eliminate officers suspected of plotting a coup.

In his newly released book, IBB categorically dismissed claims that the crash, which claimed 159 lives, including military officers and foreign nationals, was anything other than a tragic accident caused by poor aircraft maintenance and operational failures.

He detailed that investigations conducted by both the aircraft manufacturer and the Nigerian Air Force attributed the crash to mechanical failure. Three of the aircraft’s four engines failed due to fatigue and overloading, leading to the disaster just minutes after takeoff from Ikeja Airport.

IBB condemned those who fueled conspiracy theories, including allegations that his government deliberately gathered the officers on the ill-fated flight out of fear of another coup attempt following the failed Gideon Orkar coup. He described these rumors as "wicked" and "mischievous," attributing them to political propaganda aimed at undermining his administration.