Lifestyle
Pastor Accused of Assaulting Wife Over First-Class Upgrade On Alaska Airlines Flight
In a shocking incident on July 2, Pastor Roger Allan Holmberg, Sr. allegedly struck his wife during an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Alaska. The altercation reportedly began when Holmberg discovered his wife had been upgraded to first-class, while he remained in a different section of the plane.
Witnesses interviewed by Anchorage Airport Police detailed the events leading up to the alleged assault. According to the complaint, Holmberg questioned his wife, asking, “How the hell did you get the upgrade?” She responded, “I’m a Gold Point member. Don’t speak to me like that.” Holmberg then handed his phone to his wife from the aisle, instructing her to read it, and made an obscene gesture with his middle finger.
Shortly after this exchange, Holmberg allegedly attempted to swing towards his wife, striking the top of her head. One witness informed airport police that Holmberg then went to the first-class lavatory. Upon exiting, the witness confronted Holmberg, warning, “If there were any further incidents, we would put him in handcuffs.”
In her interview with airport police, Holmberg’s wife stated that he had struck her in the head with the back of his knuckles, despite knowing she had epilepsy, which could trigger a seizure from head contact. She also claimed that he had a history of abusing her, including a previous incident where he had broken her finger.
Holmberg, when questioned by authorities, expressed his frustration over his wife’s first-class upgrade, stating he wanted her to sit next to him. Despite his anger, he insisted he was not violent and did not intend to harm his wife. He described the incident as merely tapping her on the head to get her attention, and revealed they had been attending marriage counseling due to frequent disrespect and anger issues on her part. Holmberg also mentioned a prior incident where his wife allegedly grabbed his leg while he was driving, leading to her breaking her finger.
Upon learning of the incident, the flight crew notified law enforcement. Holmberg was arrested upon landing in Alaska for simple assault and transported to the Anchorage Correctional Center. According to court documents, he has since been released under the condition that he cannot come within 100 yards of his wife.
In a statement to ABC News, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson confirmed that Holmberg has been banned from all future flights with the airline. The U.S. Government (FBI) has filed a simple assault charge against him as of July 3rd.
This incident highlights the serious nature of domestic violence, even in public and confined spaces like an airplane. It also underscores the importance of swift intervention by flight crew and law enforcement to ensure passenger safety.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 36
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
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