On February 9, 2024, news broke that the longtime group managing director and CEO of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, Doreen Chizoba Wigwe, and their son, Chizi Wigwe, had died in a helicopter crash at Nipton, California, US.
A year later, the tragic passing has led to a series of legal disputes over his estate among the Wigwe family. All through the weekend, the public was split between how his wealth should be divided.
This timeline outlines the key events and developments in the ongoing legal battle:
February 9, 2024: The Tragic Helicopter Crash
Herbert Wigwe, his wife, and their son were among six people killed when their helicopter crashed near Nipton, California. The former Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, was also on board. Their sudden deaths led to widespread mourning, with numerous tributes honouring Wigwe’s contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector.
March 2024: Memorial Services
A week-long memorial was held to honour the members of the Wigwe family, bringing together loved ones, business associates, and dignitaries, including Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede (AIG), who had co-acquired Access Bank with Herbert.
Eulogies were delivered by his daughter, Tochi Wigwe; his father, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe; his cousin, Uche Wigwe; his elder sister, Joyce Wigwe; his brother, Emeka Wigwe and his younger sister, Stella Wigwe.
What His Will States
Shortly after the tragedy, details of Herbert Wigwe’s will surfaced. Reports indicate that his estate was to be inherited by his children, with his daughter, Tochi Wigwe, receiving a significant portion.
The will also included provisions for his adopted minor children — Chituru David Wigwe, Wegu Wigwe, Hannah Wigwe, and Okachi Great Wigwe — ensuring they would be financially supported.
Despite these clear instructions, disputes soon rose over who would manage the estate and oversee the welfare of the minor children.
2024: Legal Proceedings Begin
In 2024, Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and Christian Wigwe (Herbert’s cousin) filed a substantive suit (ID/7735FPM/2024) against Access Bank Plc, Coronation Merchant Bank Ltd, and United Securities Ltd. By filing a substantive suit, they aim to show that the case involves fundamental legal rights, not just procedures.
They requested the court appoint interim administrators to manage the estate, nominating:
1. Themselves (Pastor Shyngle and Christian Wigwe)
2. Tochi Wigwe
3. Uche Wigwe
4. Zedra Trust Company (Isle of Man)
5. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Additionally, they sought joint guardianship of Herbert’s minor children: Chituru David, Wegu, Hannah, and Okachi Great Wigwe.
November 18, 2024: Expanded Legal Action
Pastor Shyngle Wigwe and Christian Wigwe amended their lawsuit, naming additional defendants:
1. Uche Wigwe,
2. Aigboje A.I.G. Imoukhuede
3. Miss Otutochi Channel Wigwe.
They reiterated their request for the appointment of interim administrators and joint guardianship arrangements of the minor children.
February 6, 2025: Court Ruling
Justice A.O. Adeyemi of the Lagos State High Court Family/Probate Division dismissed the request for interim administrators, calling it “unusual” and “strange” since the main lawsuit was still unresolved..
The judge ruled that the claimants had not provided sufficient legal grounds for appointing interim administrators at this stage, emphasising that the case was already on an accelerated timeline.
Justice Adeyemi stated: “The contention of Learned Senior Counsel for the Claimants/Applicants that the issues involved in this suit may lead to a protracted trial is not only unfounded but also preemptive. The court has already granted an accelerated hearing for this case, as evidenced by the shortened timelines for the parties.”
As a result, the November 18, 2024 application was dismissed as unsustainable.
February 8, 2025: Memorial Controversy
During a wreath-laying ceremony commemorating the first anniversary of the death of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi, tensions escalated within the family.
A video surfaced showing Emeka Wigwe in an altercation with security personnel, leading to his arrest. In a statement to reporters, Joyce Wigwe explained that Emeka’s actions were a result of frustration over his treatment at the event.
February 13, 2025: Appeal Filed
Following the dismissal, Pastor Shyngle and Christian Wigwe filed an appeal on February 13, 2025, challenging the High Court’s decision.
In their appeal, they argued that:
1. The court failed to distinguish between interim reliefs intended to preserve the estate and final reliefs concerning asset distribution.
2. Their exclusion from guardianship arrangements was unjust, especially given their familial ties.
The legal battle over Herbert Wigwe’s estate remains ongoing, with the appeal process set to address the complexities surrounding the administration and guardianship of the estate.
Nigerians React
All through last weekend, social media was filled with the verdicts from the court of public opinion. Some shared their own experiences with family inheritance experiences. While most of the commentary online has been in Tochi’s favour, some users have called out the public’s speed to judge her grandfather.
See some of the reactions below:
The whole Herbert Wigwe situation just shows how important a will is!!
— Dr. Rú
Imagine it’s his friends that are protecting his surviving child!!!!
Sometimes, friends >>>> Family.(@fly_baee) February 22, 2025
