Legal Action: Nigerian Financier’s Family Files Lawsuit Over Fatal US CrashA lawsuit has been filed against a US helicopter charter company following a tragic crash in February that claimed the lives of prominent individuals, including Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former head of Nigeria’s stock exchange. The incident occurred as Ogunbanjo was en route to Las Vegas to attend the Super Bowl when the helicopter crashed in southern California. Among the victims was Herbert Wigwe, co-founder of Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest bank.
The family of Mr. Ogunbanjo is pursuing legal action, seeking compensation that includes funds for funeral expenses. The lawsuit, lodged in a US court on Wednesday, points fingers at the charter company, Orbic Air LLC, alleging that they operated the flight in adverse weather conditions. Local authorities reported poor weather at the time of the crash, including rain and snow showers in the area.
Andrew C Robb, the attorney representing the Ogunbanjo family, emphasized the unsuitability of helicopters for flying in snow and ice conditions. He expressed that the tragic flight could have been avoided entirely and questioned why it was allowed to proceed under such circumstances. Robb stressed the family’s desire for “answers and accountability” regarding the circumstances leading up to the fatal crash.
The lawsuit underscores the importance of ensuring safety protocols are strictly adhered to, particularly when operating aircraft in adverse weather conditions. It raises concerns about the decision-making process of the charter company and calls for a thorough investigation into the incident. The tragic loss of lives in the crash has left families devastated and seeking justice for their loved ones.
In addition to seeking financial compensation, the lawsuit serves as a catalyst for broader discussions about aviation safety standards and the responsibility of charter companies to prioritize passenger safety above all else. It highlights the need for increased scrutiny and regulation within the aviation industry to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.