A Nigerian man on his way to the United States of America yesterday died inside the aircraft from yet-to-be identified causes. Houston Police Department has identified the man as Benedict Sylvester Igwedike, said to be aged 67 and based in Nigeria’s economic hub, Lagos. He was found dead while United Airlines Flight 143 was enroute the USA.

The story about the tragedy was broken last night by blogger Ikenna Okonkwo of Okonkwo Networks. He wrote: “Yesterday the unbelievable happened on board the United Airlines. The plane was scheduled to arrive Atlanta from Nigeria but was unavoidably delayed midway due to the sudden death of a passenger that was on board the craft.

“They departed Lagos Nigeria last night at about 11pm to Atlanta USA. But a passenger, a man who was unidentified by my sources on board the flight, was said to have died on board.

“Due to the unfortunate incident the plane was diverted for an emergency landing at Dakar where the body was properly wrapped and kept in the toilet of the plane to avoid immediate decomposition or any foul smell for the remaining of the journey.

“The United Airlines plane was reported to have finally landed ATL just a few hours ago after a very long delay. My source maintains that details of the cause of death and the identity of the passenger is still unknown and the shocked passengers have all dispersed to their destinations.”