How Plane Carrying Me And Two Friends Lost One Engine Mid‑Air, Port Harcourt, Nigeria – June 11, 2025 – In a gripping testimony delivered at a recent thanksgiving service in Port Harcourt, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike stunned congregants in recounting a hair‑raising mid‑air incident. The Bombardier Global Express business jet he was aboard “lost one engine” shortly after takeoff, prompting a sudden turnback to safety.
The Near‑Death Incident: What Happened
According to Wike’s own testimony, he and two companions were returning to Lagos after meeting his family at the Port Harcourt Air Force Base. Only about fifteen minutes after takeoff, tragedy nearly struck:
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A loud “gboom” pierced the cabin.
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Cabin crew panicked.
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Wike calmly asked, “What’s the problem?”
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Staff confirmed one engine had suddenly failed mid‑flight.
At such altitude, losing an engine is a pilot’s worst nightmare, especially under a multi‑engine configuration. However, the pilot quickly declared it was safer to return and skillfully brought the aircraft down at Port Harcourt Charlotte Air Base. Wike said, “By the grace of God, we landed safely.”
Priest, Politician & Passenger: Wike’s Prayerful Response
A dramatic video clip later surfaced, capturing Wike in fervent prayer:
“Satan, you are a liar! Father, Father! Oh Jehovah. Blood of Jesus! … Save my soul, save my soul!”
Though unconfirmed if Wike in his own voice recorded that plea, widespread public reaction suggests it was indeed him. One eyewitness stream called him a “prayer warrior,” whose plea mingled with the pilots’ efforts amid turbulence.
Wike’s emotional response shows that even powerful public figures turn to faith in the face of imminent danger. Some detractors later alleged the audio was doctored — “Who of the few passengers would record it?” — invoking modern deep fake concerns.
Aircraft in Focus: Bombardier Global Express
The ill‑fated aircraft was a Bombardier Global Express 5000/6000 — a high-end business jet reportedly worth around ₦15 billion ($37 million USD). Known for its long-range capacity, speed and luxury, this jet typically has two Rolls‑Royce BR700 engines. A single-engine failure above 30,000 ft is rare and serious, but highly trained pilots are equipped to handle it — which is exactly what happened.
Public Reaction & Social Media Buzz
Since the incident, Nigerians have been buzzing, expressing shock, empathy, skepticism — and amusement. On social platforms:
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Some praised Wike for his visible fear and reliance on prayer.
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Others mocked his scream-like delivery, calling him “scared like everyone else”.
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Questions surfaced about audio authenticity: was it real or AI-manipulated?
Still, public sentiment ultimately leaned toward relief and self‑reflection: even hardened politicians can crumble in crisis.
Why This Matters: Safety + Symbolism
1. Aviation Safety
The safe landing reaffirms the robustness of aviation protocols. Multi-engine aircraft like the Global Express are built to handle emergencies, but only if pilots detect issues swiftly and make prompt decisions — which happened here.
2. Humanizing a Statesman
Wike is known for a fiery political style. Seeing him vulnerable mid-air breaks that tough façade, demonstrating—and resonating with—a universal fear of mortality.
3. The Power of Testimony
By delivering this testimony in a church thanksgiving service, Wike turned a personal scare into a public message: giving thanks to God, reinforcing both faith and political solidarity among his followers.
What We Can Learn
| Lesson | Insight |
|---|---|
| Aviation Preparedness | Multi-engine redundancy matters — so do pilot protocols. |
| Emotional Honesty | Public figures can connect through shared vulnerability. |
| Authenticity & Trust | In politics, real-life dramas can strengthen credibility. |
| Audio Scrutiny | Viral clips can be powerful — but check authenticity. |
Final Thoughts
On June 11, 2025, Nyesom Wike stood before his congregation, not as a politician, but as a man who felt fear take hold mid-sky — and found solace in prayer. This incident wasn’t just a mechanical scare; it became a moment of witness and wonder.
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In aviation, it’s a testament to training, maintenance, and calm under duress.
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In politics, it’s a rare moment of human vulnerability, reinforcing the old truth: we’re all fragile, and only together — in faith or unity — do we land safely.
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