Hijack '93

Hijack '93
Directed by	Robert O. Peters
Screenplay by	Musa Jeffery David
Produced by	Rogers Ofime Charles Okpaleke
Starring	Allison Emmanuel Adam Garba Nnamdi Agbo Oluwaseyi Akinsola Bob Manuel Nancy Isime Sam Dede John Dumelo Sharon Ooja
Edited by	Johan Venter
Music by	Gray Jones Ossai
Production companies	Netflix Play Network Studios Native Media
Distributed by	Netflix
Release date	October 25, 2024 (2024-10-25)
Running time	107 minutes
Country	Nigeria
Languages	English French

Hijack '93 is a 2024 Nigerian disaster film directed by Robert O. Peters and written by Musa Jeffery David. It is based on the real-life October 25,1993 Nigerian Airways hijack. The film stars Nnamdi Agbo as (Skipper) Omar, Adam Garba as (Eruku) Kayode, Allison Emmanuel as Ben (Owiwi), and Oluwaseyi Akinsola as Dayo (Iku), a group of four teenagers armed with guns took control of the aircraft, demanding that General Sani Abacha, then Nigeria’s Defense Minister, resign from office. They also sought to address various political grievances, including issues of government corruption and human rights abuses. The cast also features Same Dede, Bob Manuel, John Dumelo, Idia Aisien, Nancy Isime, Efa Iwara, and Sharon Ooja.

The movie was released in theaters on October 25, 2024, by Netflix.

Plot

The film opens with a routine flight departing from Lagos, Nigeria, to Abuja on October 25, 1993. On board are passengers from different walks of life, unaware of the ordeal that lies ahead. Among them are politicians, business people, and everyday citizens, as well as the dedicated flight crew who are ensuring a smooth journey.

Shortly after takeoff, the atmosphere changes when four armed Nigerian teenagers Skipper (Nnamdi Agbo), Eruku (Adam Garba), Owiwi (Allison Emmanuel), and Iku (Oluwaseyi Akinsola) take control of the aircraft. Tensions rise as they brandish weapons, demanding that the pilot alter the plane’s course to Frankfurt, Germany. As panic spreads among the passengers, the hijackers reveal their motivations: a demand for the resignation of General Sani Abacha, the Defense Minister of Nigeria, and a call for an end to government corruption and human rights abuses. Through their defiant stance, the hijackers force the world to confront Nigeria's political instability.

As the plane touches down in Niamey due to a low shortage of fuel, negotiations commence between the hijackers, local authorities, and Nigerian government representatives. Meanwhile, on the ground, international attention builds as the hijacking is broadcast across global news networks.

Under the pressure of time, the tension between the hijackers and the hostages reaches a boiling point. The authorities prepare a risky rescue plan, with Nigerian security forces coordinating an operation to end the standoff. As the night deepens, the movie reaches a dramatic climax when the security forces storm the plane, leading to a tense and chaotic battle within the narrow confines of the aircraft.

Cast

Hijackers

• Nnamdi Agbo as Omar (Skipper)
• Adam Garba as Kayode (Eruku)
• Allison Emmanuel as Ben (Owiwi)
• Oluwaseyi Akinsola as Dayo (Iku)

Crew

• Sharon Ooja as Ada
• Nancy Isime as Iyabo
• Jemima Osunde as Temitope
• Idia Aisien as Ese
• John Dumelo as Captain Ambrose
• Efa Iwara as Captain Odion

Supporting characters

• Bob Manuel as Lieutenant Dokunbo
• Jessica Lorraine as Marie
• Sam Dede as Mallam Jerry
• Ego Nwosu as Rev Sis Lola

Production

Development

On July 22, 2022, it was announced that three Nigerian filmmakers Rogers Ofime, Charles Okpaleke, and Agozie Ugwu along with Play Network Studios, Native Media TV, and UK-based filmmaker Femi Oyeniran, had teamed up to produce a new film, Hijack 93, based on the true story of the 1993 plane hijacking. The production received support from the United Kingdom's Department of International Trade (DIT) and the British Film Institute (BFI), to bring this event to life through cinema.

Filming

Principal photography began in May 2023 at Play Network Studios in Nigeria. The announcement was made by Charles Okpaleke, stating,

"Remember the story of the teenagers that hijacked a Nigerian Airways plane headed to Abuja and diverted it to Niger in 1993? The 4 boys (who are in their 50’s now) went to prison for over a decade. I was privileged to interview 3 of them 2 years ago and they gave me a detailed explanation on how they carried out the first ever plane hijack in Nigeria. Their story is now being adapted into a feature film for the world to see by Play Network Studios and Native media.

Historical accuracy

1993 Nigerian Airways Airbus A310

Main article: 1993 Nigerian Airways hijack

The 1993 Nigerian Airways hijack was an aviation incident on October 25, 1993, involving a domestic Nigerian Airways flight. The Nigerian Airways Airbus A310 aircraft was en route from Lagos to Abuja, Nigeria, carrying 132 passengers and 11 crew members.

The incident occurred during political instability in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which had been widely considered free and fair. The annulment, carried out by military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida, led to widespread protests and civil unrest, culminating in a tense political climate. Following Babangida's resignation, Chief Ernest Shonekan was installed as interim president in August 1993, but his administration faced significant opposition.

The film portrays the hijacking as being orchestrated by Mallam Jerry,a political teacher and revolutionary, leader of The Movement for Democracy”, a rebel group operating in the country. The hijackers initially intended to divert the plane to Frankfurt, Germany, and it was reported that there were no casualties or loss of passenger lives. However, the film dramatizes the events, depicting a scene where a passenger is shot and killed by one of the hijackers.

Negotiations and Resolution

The Nigerian government, in collaboration with Nigerien authorities, engaged in negotiations with the hijackers. After hours of tense discussions, the hijackers agreed to release the hostages in exchange for safe passage. During the negotiations, one passenger was reported to have been killed, although details about the circumstances of the death remain unclear.

The standoff ended peacefully after they surrendered to Nigerien authorities. They were later extradited to Nigeria, where they faced charges related to the hijacking.

Release

The film was released in theaters in Nigeria on October 25, 2024, by Play Network Studios, in partnership with Netflix.

Reception

Critical response

Neerja Choudhuri Tinubu of Midgard Times described Hijack '93 as a "well-crafted thriller," praising the film's screenplay. She remarked, "The screenplay does a commendable job capturing the high stakes inside the plane, with tensions mounting as the hours tick by." Neerja also commended the "outstanding performances" by the cast and gave the film an 8 out of 10 rating.

Response from hijackers family

On October 26, 2024, Pa Yemi Ogunderu, the father of Richard Ogunderu—one of the hijackers involved in the 1993 Nigerian Airways hijacking to protest the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by the late MKO Abiola—shared his thoughts in an interview regarding the film. He stated, "Richard was never a violent child, and I could never have expected such actions from him. He is an easygoing person, and he has no regrets. His only regret is that he wishes he had stayed in Niger Republic, where he had become a household name."