Wike Recounts Near-Death Experience, Says He Called on Jesus as Private Jet Suffered Mid-Air Engine Failure

Wike Confirms Viral Incident

After days of speculation over a viral audio and video clip circulating on social media, Nyesom Wike confirmed that he was indeed on board the aircraft that experienced a technical problem during a flight from Port Harcourt to Lagos.

Speaking during a church thanksgiving testimony, the minister explained that the aircraft developed engine trouble about 15 minutes after takeoff, forcing the pilots to abandon the journey and return to Port Harcourt.

"One Engine Is Gone"

According to Wike, the cabin crew informed passengers that one of the aircraft's engines had failed.

He recalled that the pilot advised it was safer to return because continuing the journey to Lagos would have posed greater risks.

Wike said he was travelling with two associates and that everyone on board realised the seriousness of the situation as the aircraft turned back.

Calls on Jesus During the Emergency

A viral recording from inside the aircraft captured a voice widely believed to be Wike repeatedly praying as the emergency unfolded.

Among the words heard in the recording were:

• "Satan, you are a liar."

• "Father, Father."

• "Blood of Jesus."

• "Jesus, You are in charge."

• "Save my soul."

Wike later confirmed in his testimony that he prayed throughout the emergency and thanked God after the aircraft landed safely without injuries.

Safe Landing After Mid-Air Scare

The aircraft successfully returned to Port Harcourt, and everyone on board escaped unharmed.

Describing the experience as a reminder of life's uncertainty, Wike said the incident strengthened his faith and inspired him to publicly give thanks for surviving what could have been a tragedy.

Earlier Denials and Online Debate

Before Wike publicly shared his testimony, the viral clip had generated intense debate online.

Some questioned whether the voice in the recording was genuinely his, while others mocked the incident on social media. At the time, Wike's media aide had dismissed claims surrounding the viral recording and questioned its authenticity. Wike's later testimony, however, confirmed that he had been on a flight that suffered an engine failure, though earlier public statements had disputed aspects of the circulating narrative.

Nigerians React

The minister's testimony has continued to attract reactions across social media.

While many Nigerians expressed gratitude that the aircraft landed safely and wished those on board well, others used the incident to reflect on how life-threatening situations often lead people to seek divine intervention regardless of their status or political differences.

The Bottom Line

Nyesom Wike's account has put to rest speculation about whether he was involved in the widely discussed aviation incident. His testimony confirms that the aircraft suffered an engine failure shortly after takeoff, prompting an emergency return to Port Harcourt.

The incident ended without casualties, and Wike says surviving the ordeal has left him deeply thankful and reminded him of the value of faith in moments of crisis.