The private aircraft that landed on a road in Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, Delta state, on Wednesday is owned by an Abuja church, TheCable understands.
Sources in the know informed TheCable that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has established that the aircraft was registered in the US in the name of the church.
It was brought into Nigeria to operate on a non-commercial flight (PNCF) permit.
Under the terms, according to aviation rules, it is not supposed to be used as private charter but this condition is now believed to have been violated.
Until 2025, the aircraft operated under the name Mounthill Ltd but switched operatorship to UMO Ltd in order to get the PNCF permit — which has now been suspended in the wake of the incident.
TheCable understands the pilot, Chris Baca, a Pakistani, has also been arrested for allegedly breaching the aviation age limit.
He is said to be 70 years old — five above the age limit for pilots operating in Nigeria. TheCable understands that there will be criminal prosecution over the infractions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, had said preliminary reports indicated that the aircraft conducted a missed approach while attempting to land at Asaba airport at about 7:43am.
“Reports received from personnel at the scene indicate that all occupants safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road,” Achimugu said.
“The aircraft had four (4) crew members on board. At this time, no injuries to passengers or crew have been reported.”
He added that air traffic control was informed only after the aircraft had become airborne.
The NCAA immediately grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos pending the outcome of investigations.
