Aircraft that landed on road near Asaba linked to Dunamis Church, pilot arrested

The private aircraft involved in Wednesday’s landing incident near Asaba, Delta State, has been identified as being registered in the United States in the name of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, according to reports.

Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that investigations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) established that the aircraft is linked to the church led by Pastor Paul Enenche and was brought into Nigeria under a Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).

Under aviation regulations, aircraft operating under a PNCF are not permitted to engage in commercial charter operations. However, authorities are reportedly investigating allegations that the conditions attached to the permit may have been violated.

The aircraft was previously operated under the name Mounthill Ltd before its operatorship was transferred to UMO Ltd in 2025 to facilitate the issuance of the permit. UMO Ltd is reportedly owned by Mike Olaoye, a member of the church.

Reports further indicated that the pilot, identified as Chris Baca, has been taken into custody over alleged regulatory infractions, including claims that he exceeded the age limit approved for pilots operating in Nigeria.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the aircraft reportedly conducted a missed approach while attempting to land at Asaba Airport before touching down on a road under construction in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba.

According to the NCAA, all four crew members on board safely exited the aircraft and were transported to Asaba by road. No injuries were recorded.

The authority also disclosed that the aircraft later departed the incident location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory approval, with Air Traffic Control reportedly informed only after the aircraft had become airborne.

Following the development, the NCAA grounded the aircraft immediately upon its arrival in Lagos and suspended its Permit for Non-Commercial Flight pending the outcome of investigations.

The authority is expected to review the aircraft’s operational, maintenance, airworthiness and flight records as part of ongoing regulatory and enforcement actions.

Story Credit: The Cable

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