How New York City Got Its Juicy Nickname “The Big Apple” — And What It Means To The World

By Emeka Chiaghanam

On the seemingly unremarkable day of April 22, 1985, at the Aminu Kano International Airport, a seemingly ordinary 35-year-old woman named Gloria Okon found herself thrust into the spotlight of a nation's scrutiny. The National Security Organization (NSO) apprehended her just as she was about to embark on a journey from Nigeria to England.

The reason? Suspected smuggling of illicit substances, namely heroin and other hard drugs. With 56.70 grams of the substances concealed in her possession alongside a cache of currencies including 301 dollars, 60 pounds sterling, N20,000, and 19,000 Italian lira, Gloria Okon's arrest marked the beginning of a saga that would grip the nation for years to come.

The news of Okon's detention spread like wildfire, dominating both local and international media headlines. In a Nigeria governed by Decree no. 20 under the Buhari military regime, the possession of hard drugs was punishable by death, intensifying public interest in Okon's fate. However, the narrative took a sinister turn just six days after her arrest, when Gloria Okon met her demise under mysterious and controversial circumstances while in custody on April 28, 1985.

In the absence of a conclusive resolution to Okon's case, a plethora of speculations emerged, weaving a complex web of conspiracy theories that captured the imagination of Nigerians. Some speculated that Okon had been working under the auspices of the first lady, Mariam Babangida, and was eliminated to prevent the disclosure of incriminating information. Others went so far as to suggest that Okon's death had been fabricated, with her purported corpse serving as a decoy while she continued her life abroad.

The intertwining threads of mystery surrounding Gloria Okon's demise intersected with the narrative of Dele Giwa's tragic end, adding layers of complexity to an already convoluted tale. Allegations surfaced linking Okon to the late Dr. Maryam Babangida, further fueling speculation and intrigue. However, amidst the swirling rumors, the truth remained elusive, with no concrete evidence to substantiate the sensational claims.

The narrative took yet another twist with the emergence of a revelation from Professor Taiyemiwo Ogunade on June 8, 2009, Professor Taiyemiwo Ogunade,  in an interview with Sahara Reporters, shed new light on Okon's identity and the events surrounding her arrest. According to Ogunade, Gloria Okon was, in fact, Chinyere, who had married Charles "Jeff" Chandler, a figure entangled in Nigeria's tumultuous political landscape. The revelation painted a picture of interconnected relationships and clandestine activities, further blurring the lines between fact and fiction.

The saga of Gloria Okon epitomized the shadowy underbelly of power dynamics within Nigeria's military establishment, where alliances were forged, and secrets held sway. The assertion that Okon had been a mere pawn in a larger game played by influential figures underscored the pervasive atmosphere of intrigue that permeated Nigerian society at the time.

The narrative of Okon's alleged escape from custody, facilitated by individuals within the military hierarchy, added a cinematic flair to an already captivating storyline. Reports of her subsequent sightings at high-society events in London added fuel to the fire, reinforcing the perception of Okon as a figure shrouded in mystery and intrigue.

The enduring enigma of Gloria Okon continued to capture public imagination, with each revelation adding a new layer of complexity to an already labyrinthine narrative. The narrative's resonance lay in its reflection of broader themes of power, corruption, and impunity within Nigeria's political landscape, resonating with audiences far beyond the confines of its origin.

As the decades passed and memories faded, the legend of Gloria Okon endured as a cautionary tale, a reminder of the murky depths of power and the human cost of ambition. While the truth remained elusive and speculative, the enduring fascination with Okon's story served as a testament to the enduring power of myth and mystery in shaping the collective consciousness.

In the annals of Nigeria's history, Gloria Okon's name remained etched as a symbol of intrigue, her story a demonstration to the perennial allure of the unknown. Whether the truth behind her saga would ever be fully unveiled remained uncertain, but one thing was certain: the legend of Gloria Okon would endure as a tantalizing enigma, beckoning future generations to unravel its mysteries and glean insights into the complex nature of Nigeria's past.