“The probable cause of the crash was the pilot’s decision to continue the flight under visual flight rules into instrument meteorological conditions (IMC),” stated the US National Transportation Safety Board following the tragic incident that claimed the life of Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc.
Wigwe, who was linked to the ownership of 106 properties in London, was ranked seventh among billionaires holding extensive real-estate portfolios in the city. His death on February 9, 2024, was a significant loss not only to his family but also to the business community.
The helicopter crash also resulted in the deaths of his wife, son, and former NGX Group chairman Abimbola Ogunbanjo, amplifying the tragedy for those who knew them.
Prior to his death, Wigwe’s properties were registered through companies located in offshore jurisdictions, a common practice among affluent individuals. As reported, “The Londoner can reveal that some 32,611 properties in London are owned by overseas entities,” highlighting the extensive real estate landscape in the city.
A recent change in UK law now requires foreign companies to disclose their beneficial owners, a move aimed at increasing transparency in property ownership. This change comes in the wake of investigations revealing that 2,224 of London’s most expensive properties are registered by companies in Jersey.
Wigwe’s family has since been involved in legal disputes over his estate, which includes a substantial portfolio of assets. His shares in Access Holdings were valued at N65.3 billion, representing 7.3% of the company’s entire issued shares, with a total asset value of N52.2 billion as of September 2025.
The investigation into the crash and the implications for Wigwe’s estate are ongoing, with further developments expected as the family navigates the aftermath of this tragedy.
