Details have emerged on how retired Nigerian Air Force Chief, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Osita Obierika (rtd.), passed away mid-air while travelling on a British Airways flight from London to Abuja on Sunday night.
The octogenarian, popularly called “Prof,” was a respected elder statesman who once served as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Training Command, Kaduna, and as directing staff at the National Defence College, Abuja.
According to sources, Obierika had been in the United Kingdom for cancer treatment and was returning home when he suddenly took ill on board.
The aircraft, which left Heathrow Airport at 11:00 p.m. on October 5, was expected to land at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at 5:00 a.m. Monday. However, around 1:30 a.m., the pilot declared a medical emergency, forcing a diversion to El Prat Airport in Barcelona, Spain.
The situation caused unease among passengers, including a pregnant woman who also reportedly required medical attention during the flight.
In a statement, British Airways confirmed the unscheduled diversion, apologised to passengers for the inconvenience, and promised assistance with onward travel. A replacement aircraft was later arranged to continue the journey, departing Barcelona at 2:50 p.m. local time and scheduled to arrive in Abuja at 5:45 p.m.
As of press time, it was unclear whether Obierika’s remains were retained in Barcelona or flown to Abuja on the replacement aircraft.
A native of Enugu-Ukwu in Anambra State, Obierika remained active in public life after retirement. In 2021, he delivered a widely acclaimed lecture at Baze University, Abuja, on “Security Sector Reform in Nigeria and the 4th Industrial Revolution.”
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