Several press reports state that Ibrahim Abacha, the eldest son of General Sani Abacha was killed with 13 other persons on 17 January 1996 in a plane crash (Keesing's Jan. 1996, 40888; Reuters 19 Jan. 1996; AP 19 Jan. 1996; AFP 28 Jan. 1996).

Sources state that an unknown group, the United Front for Nigeria's Liberation, claimed responsibility for the crash (AP 19 Jan. 1996; Chicago Tribune 21 Jan. 1996; The Herald 19 Jan. 1996). The group also warned that the action was an intensification of campaign to get rid of Abacha's government by any means (Chicago Tribune 21 Jan. 1996; The Washington Post 20 January 1996; The Herald 19 Jan. 1996 )

According to AP, the pilot was inexperienced and the plane was carrying too many people (27 Jan. 1996). Africa Confidential states that an engine problem might have been the cause of the crash (2 Feb. 1996, 1). It adds that "business rivalries, particularly for oil Contracts, also made him a target" (ibid.).

Information on the names of suspects and on any arrests in connection with the crash could not be found among the sources consulted by DIRB. However, crash investigations were set up (West Africa 4 Feb. 1996, 130; Africa Confidential 2 Feb. 1996, 1).

Africa Confidential. 2 February 1996. Vol. 37, No 3. "Nigeria: Who's killing Who?."

Agence France Press (AFP). 28 January 1996. "Memorial Service Held For Abacha's Son, 13 Crash Other Victims." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 27 January 1996. AM Cycle. "Investigations Reveal Abacha Plane Was Overloaded." (NEXIS)

_____. 19 January 1996. Franck Aigbogun. PM cycle. "Unknown Group Claims Responsibility for Crash That Killed Abacha Son." (NEXIS)

Chicago Tribune. 21 January 1996. Chicagoland Edition. "Explosions at Nigeria Airport, Hotel Follow Crash of Plane." (NEXIS)

The Herald [Glasgow]. 19 January 1996. "Ruler's Son killed in Plane Crash." (NEXIS)

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. January 1996. Vol. 42, No. 1. "Nigeria: Death of Ibrahim Abacha."

Reuters. 19 January 1996. BC cycle. "Nigeria Explosions Follow Death of Abachi's Son." (NEXIS)

West Africa [London]. 24 January-4 February 1996. "Nigeria: Air Crash Investigation."

Africa Confidential. 2 February 1996. Vol. 37, No 3. "Nigeria: Who's killing Who?" pp. 1-2.

Agence France Press (AFP). 28 January 1996. "Memorial Service Held for Abacha's Son, 13 Crash Other Victims." (NEXIS)

The Associated Press (AP). 27 January 1996. AM Cycle. "Investigations Reveal Abacha Plane Was Overloaded." (NEXIS)

_____. 19 January 1996. Franck Aigbogun. PM cycle. "Unknown Group Claims Responsibility for Crash That Killed Abacha Son." (NEXIS

Chicago Tribune. 21 January 1996. Chicagoland Edition. "Explosions at Nigeria Airport, Hotel Follow Crash of Plane." (NEXIS)

The Herald [Glasgow]. 19 January 1996. "Ruler's Son killed in Plane Crash." (NEXIS)

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. January 1996. Vol. 42, No. 1. "Nigeria: Death of Ibrahim Abacha, p. 40888.

Reuters. 19 January 1996. BC cycle. "Nigeria Explosions Follow Death of Abachi's Son." (NEXIS)

West Africa [London]. 24 January-4 February 1996. "Nigeria: Air Crash Investigation," p. 130.