The private aircraft involved in Wednesday’s road-landing incident near Asaba, Delta State, has been linked to the Abuja-based Dunamis International Gospel Centre, according to media reports.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) established that the aircraft is registered in the United States in the name of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, whose Senior Pastor is Paul Enenche.
The aircraft was reportedly brought into Nigeria under a Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), a category that restricts its use to non-commercial operations. However, aviation regulators are investigating allegations that the permit conditions may have been violated through its use as a private charter aircraft.
The aircraft reportedly operated under Mounthill Ltd until 2025 before its operatorship was transferred to UMO Ltd to obtain the PNCF permit. UMO Ltd is said to be owned by Mike Olaoye, a member of the church.
It is further reported that the pilot, identified as Chris Baca, a Pakistani national, has been arrested over alleged violations of aviation regulations. Investigators claim the pilot is 70 years old, exceeding Nigeria’s prescribed age limit of 65 years for pilots operating in the country.
Sources indicated that both regulatory and criminal proceedings may follow as authorities continue their investigation into the incident and the alleged infractions.
In an earlier statement, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said preliminary reports showed that the aircraft carried out a missed approach while attempting to land at Asaba Airport at about 7:43 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to the NCAA, all occupants safely evacuated the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road. The aircraft had four crew members on board, and no injuries were reported.
The authority also revealed that preliminary information suggested the aircraft later departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory approval. Air Traffic Control was reportedly informed only after the aircraft had already become airborne.
Following the development, the NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.