Fresh Details Emerge On Jnr Pope Boat Tragedy 3 Months After His Death

EKO HOT BLOG reports that new findings reveal that Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, did not have access to a life jacket during the tragic boat incident on April 10 at the Anam River in Anambra State.

This counters viral stories claiming he turned down a life jacket before the accident, which claimed his life and that of four others.

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Prince Uvo Kevin Oghogho, Chairman of the committee set up by the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) to investigate the accident, refuted claims that a life jacket was offered to the late actor by the boat operators. “No life jacket was provided to the late actor,” Oghogho stated. He noted that only two passengers, the Director of Photography and the Sound Engineer, were wearing life jackets, which they had hired from the boat operators.

“When the accident occurred, the operators quickly brought out new life jackets. They had not been making life jackets available to passengers previously,” he said.

Oghogho, who also serves as the AGN National Taskforce Chairman, made this revelation in an interview with a Vanguard reporter, shortly after presenting his committee’s findings to the National Executive Council of the guild in Lagos. The report was issued three months after the accident.

Detailing the events leading up to the mishap, Oghogho explained, “The outboard engine fibre boat conveying the cast and crew of the movie, produced by Adamma Luke, departed Asaba jetty with Ononno jetty as the destination. At about 12:30 pm, according to the survivors, Jnr Pope was making a video while his colleagues were having fun with him.

“The boat driver’s attention was drawn to the scene, as he was looking back to catch a glimpse of the action while speeding. He eventually crashed into a crossing local fishing canoe, leading to the speed boat capsizing and emptying all the occupants into the Anam River. Five passengers died on the spot, while seven were rescued alive,” Oghogho recounted.