Netflix’s disaster thriller Hijack ’93 features a robust cast of African actors, especially from Nigeria. The film was produced and distributed by Netflix, where it has been available exclusively to stream since its international release date of October 24, 2024. Directed by Nigerian filmmaker Robert Peters (No voice, Hell’s Fury, Black money) and written by Musa Jeffrey David (Kanani, Wura, blood vessel), Hijack ’93 was produced by Rogers Ofime and Charles Okpaleke. During its debut week on Netflix, Hijack ’93 garnered an audience of 3.2 million views and ranked 9th on Netflix Nigeria’s Top 10 list.
Hijack ’93 follows a group of four male hijackers who hijack a plane to dismantle their military-backed government. The hijackers work together to leverage the passengers on board in the name of social change, which creates a hostile, tension-fueled environment that puts dozens of lives at risk. Hijack ’93 is based on the true story of a real-life hijacking of a Nigerian Airways flight from Lagos to Abuja that occurred on October 25, 1993. The kidnappers’ names are changed in the film. In fact, their names were Richard Ogunderu, Kabir Adenuga, Benneth Oluwadaisi and Kenny Rasaq-Lawal.
Idia Aisien as Ese
Actor: Idia Aisien, 33, Nigerian-American model, television presenter and actress. With 1.2 million followers on Instagram, Aisien is one of the most popular Nigerian-American models and actresses in the world. She recently appeared on the covers of Glamor and GQ magazines, the latter of which called Aisien “Hollywood’s Next Superstar.” She graduated from New York University and American University. She made her acting debut in the 2020 horror film Nneka, the Beautiful Serpent and went on to star in 2021 Badboys and Bridesmaids2023 Twin Flame2023 King of the Favelaand 2024 Life and Dirt. As a model, Aisien has worked for BMW, Vogue and many others. She also currently hosts You have problems and Style 101 on Spice TV in Nigeria.
Notable works:
Film/Series |
Character |
---|---|
Nneka, the Beautiful Serpent |
Nneka Agu |
Badboys and Bridesmaids |
Jola |
Twin Flame |
Zola |
Character: Idia Aisien plays Ese, a flight attendant in Hijack ’93.
John Dumelo as Captain Ambrose
Actor: John Dumelo, 40, is a Ghanaian actor and politician. He describes himself as an “actor, farmer, philanthropist” and “UN ambassador” on his Instagram page, which has 3.5 million followers. He initially rose to internet fame in 2014 when he became the first Ghanaian citizen to accumulate 1 million followers on Facebook. He is also an entrepreneur and owner of the clothing brand J.Melo, which he founded in 2012. He made his film debut in 2009’s The Perfect Picture and has since accumulated more than 135 acting credits in films and television series. Some of his most notable projects include The maidens, Heart of Men, A private storm, Queen Latifaand A case from the Norththe latter of which won him the Best Actor award at the 2017 Ghana Movie Awards.
Notable works:
Film/Series |
Character |
---|---|
blood vessel |
John Abe |
Heart of Men |
Kay |
A case from the North |
Manuel Quagraine |
Character: John Dumelo plays one of the pilots in Hijack ’93 called Captain Ambrose.
Efa Iwara as Captain Odion
Actor: Efa Iwara, 38, is a Nigerian actor and rapper. His career in the entertainment industry began as a musician in a group called X-Factor. He began releasing his own music as a solo artist in 2011 with the EP “Waka”. He recently released a full-length album titled No pulse in 2020. As an actor, Iwara first appeared as David in 2013 MTV Shuga and debuted in cinema in 2016 Put a ring on it. He was nominated for Best Actor at the 2020 Nollywood Awards for his lead role in The sessions. He graduated from the University of Ibadan with a BA in Geography. Some of his other notable acting credits include 2020 This Lady Called Life2018 Ajoche2021 Team Sixand 2022 Joseph. He also starred in the popular series There are rumors, The Men’s Cluband Uninterrupted.
Notable works:
Film/Series |
Character |
---|---|
The sessions |
Banjo |
This Lady Called Life |
Obina |
Ajoche |
Épe |
Character: Efa Iwara plays one of the pilots in Hijack ’93 called Captain Odion.
Hijack ’93 Cast and Supporting Characters
Nnamdi Agbo as Omar (captain): Nnamdi Agbo plays one of the kidnappers named Omar (Skipper). He is best known for Common Companions and Badmasi.
Adam Garba as Kayode (Eruku): Adam Garba plays one of the kidnappers named Kayode (Eruku). He is best known for No voice and Much like love.
Allison Emmanuel as Ben (Owiwi): Allison Emmanuel plays one of the kidnappers named Ben (Owiwi). He is best known for Kidnapped and Dead of the Night.
Oluwaseyi Akinsola as Dayo (Iku): Oluwaseyi Akinsola plays one of the kidnappers named Dayo (Iku). He is best known for Love and destiny and Jalaruru.
Sharon Ooja as Ada: Sharon Ooja plays crew member Ada in Hijack ’93 and is best known for From Lagos with Love and Coming from Insanity.
Nancy Isime as Iyabo: Nancy Isime plays crew member Iyabo in Hijack ’93 and is best known for Obara’M and Disguise.
Jemima Osunde as Temitope: Jemima Osunde plays crew member Temitope in Hijack ’93 and is best known for The delivery man and Akoni.