The battle over the estate of late Access Bank CEO, Herbert Wigwe, has taken a dramatic turn as his sister, Dr. Joyce Wigwe, accuses his longtime associate, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, of manipulating Herbert’s will and obstructing transparency in legal proceedings.
In an explosive interview with TV360, Joyce Wigwe alleged foul play in the handling of her brother’s estate and questioned the circumstances surrounding his tragic plane crash in the United States.
Secretive Will Reading Sparks Family Dispute
Joyce Wigwe claims that the reading of Herbert Wigwe’s will was conducted without transparency, with key family members deliberately excluded.
“We were only informed in September that a will existed. But just before the reading, my father was sent abroad by Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede,” she revealed.
She further alleged that their 90-year-old father, receiving medical treatment in Austria, was caught off guard when Aig-Imoukhuede messaged him saying, “We’re about to read the will.”
According to Joyce, her younger brother Emeka Wigwe was also unaware of the will’s existence. When Emeka demanded an explanation, he received no clear response and refused to participate in the proceedings, deeming the exclusion of immediate family members highly irregular.
Allegations of Manipulation in Legal Filings
Upon finally obtaining a copy of the will, Joyce claimed the family found several discrepancies:
- The will was only three pages long, which she argued was unusual for an estate of Herbert Wigwe’s magnitude.
- It referenced a trust but failed to list any trust assets.
- Another 18-page version of the will surfaced in Florida, raising questions about why only a three-page version was submitted in Nigeria.
“Why wasn’t the full document filed in Nigeria?” Joyce questioned.
Further investigations revealed a legal settlement in Florida, where a named personal representative, Betty Blanco, was reportedly paid millions of dollars to step aside. The family was not informed of this payout.
In the Nigerian filing, Blanco’s name was removed, and Uche Wigwe, a cousin, was named instead, sparking further doubts about the authenticity and completeness of the will.
Suspicious Circumstances Surrounding Herbert Wigwe’s Death
Joyce Wigwe also raised concerns about the events leading up to Herbert Wigwe’s fatal helicopter crash on February 9, 2024.
“Herbert was not a Super Bowl fan—he was more of a polo fan. What exactly made him take that trip? Who organized it? Why was a company flagged for negligence selected for travel arrangements?” she asked.
She pointed fingers at Aig-Imoukhuede, claiming he was responsible for organizing the trip.
“Why did he choose a company with a history of safety concerns?” she questioned, hinting at potential negligence or undisclosed motives.
Guardianship Controversy Over Herbert Wigwe’s Daughter
One of the most contentious issues is the guardianship of Herbert Wigwe’s daughter, Tochi.
Joyce Wigwe argued that entrusting the management of the estate to a 25-year-old lacked legal and financial expertise. She also alleged that Tochi needed permission to speak to family members, questioning why Aig-Imoukhuede was preventing the children from receiving proper legal and financial guidance.
Public Reaction to Joyce Wigwe’s Revelations
Following her interview, social media has been flooded with reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the handling of Herbert Wigwe’s estate.
- A user, @Uchekc, claimed: “Tochi is being manipulated against her family. Something is fishy.”
- Another, @judeumeh5390, stated: “Herbert’s family should handle this matter, not outsiders.”
- @Bori-e4t questioned why Tochi’s relationship with her grandparents had suddenly changed, implying external influence.
The Family’s Stance on Transparency
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Joyce Wigwe insists that the family is not trying to take anything from Tochi but simply wants transparency and accountability in managing Herbert Wigwe’s estate.
She emphasized that with the estate’s immense financial value, a structured and professional approach is necessary to protect the children’s best interests.
What We Know About the Legal Battle
Earlier reports suggested that Pastor Shyngle Wigwe, Herbert’s father, had challenged the will at the Probate Registry. However, Joyce refuted claims that he was contesting the estate’s distribution, insisting that his only concern was fairness and transparency.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede Yet to Respond
Despite the serious allegations made against him, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede has not yet issued a public statement addressing Joyce Wigwe’s claims.
Background: The Tragic Death of Herbert Wigwe
Herbert Wigwe, the former CEO of Access Bank, tragically passed away in a helicopter crash on February 9, 2024, at 57 years old. The accident also claimed the lives of:
- His wife, Chizoba Wigwe
- Their son, Chizi Wigwe
- Business associate Abimbola Ogunbanjo, former NGX Chairman
The Airbus EC130 helicopter crashed near Halloran Springs, California, while en route from Palm Springs to Boulder City, Nevada. Initial reports cited poor weather conditions and pilot error as potential causes.
However, with the ongoing family dispute, many are now questioning whether there’s more to the story.