Family of late Nigerian business executive who died in helicopter crash with Herbert Wigwe sues for wrongful death

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April 15, 2024

Family of late Nigerian business executive who died in helicopter crash with Herbert Wigwe sues for wrongful death

Business Insider Africa - April 11, 2024

BY VICTOR ALUWOLE

The Family of Abimbola Ogunbanjo—the First Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange—has filed a lawsuit after his death in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, just outside of Los Angeles.

“Our clients seek answers and accountability from the helicopter operator that was responsible for the passengers’ safety,” said Andrew C. Robb, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit. Robb & Robb LLC is the premier aviation law firm in the United States. Robb & Robb LLC represented Vanessa Bryant in the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant. In January 2024, Robb & Robb LLC obtained the largest pre-trial settlement for an individual in United States history—$100 million—in a Nevada court.

At the time of his death, Mr Ogunbanjo was travelling to attend Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, Nevada. Herbert Wigwe, the CEO of Access Bank, and his wife and son were also killed in the crash.

According to official court documents seen by Business Insider Africa, the Family’s lawsuit targets Orbic Air LLC, the Los Angeles-based company that operated the flight. Among other allegations, the lawsuit claims that Orbic Air failed to plan and prepare for foreseeable weather conditions.

Witnesses said the crash occurred during a “wintry mix,” and the National Transportation Safety Board’s Preliminary Report said that weather conditions in the area were “not good.”

“This tragedy was entirely preventable. Snow and ice are very dangerous for helicopter flight, and this company should have known better,” Robb said.

The family sought the expertise of Robb & Robb, the premier law firm and foremost experts on aviation disasters in the United States. The firm also represented Vanessa Bryant in the helicopter crash that killed NBA legend Kobe Bryant and their daughter.

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