Private Aircraft Linked to Dunamis Church Grounded After Road Landing in Delta State as NCAA Investigates Permit Violations and Pilot’s Age

A private aircraft linked to Dunamis International Gospel Centre has been grounded by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) following an incident in which it landed on a road in the Ogwashi-Uku area near Asaba, Delta State.

According to reports, the aircraft is registered in the United States under the name of the church and was brought into Nigeria under a Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) permit. Authorities are now investigating allegations that the aircraft may have been used in violation of the conditions attached to that permit.

The aircraft reportedly operated under Mounthill Ltd before its operatorship was transferred to UMO Ltd in 2025 to obtain the PNCF permit. The permit has since been suspended pending the outcome of investigations.

The pilot, identified as Chris Baca, was also reportedly arrested over allegations that he exceeded Nigeria’s approved age limit for pilots. Reports claim he is 70 years old, five years above the regulatory limit.

The NCAA has indicated that criminal prosecution could follow if the alleged violations are established.

Providing details of the incident, NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the aircraft carried out a missed approach while attempting to land at Asaba Airport at about 7:43 a.m. on Wednesday.

All four crew members on board reportedly exited safely, and no injuries were recorded.

However, preliminary findings suggest the aircraft later departed the scene and returned to Lagos without obtaining the necessary regulatory approval. Air traffic control was reportedly informed only after the aircraft had already become airborne.

The NCAA subsequently grounded the aircraft upon its arrival in Lagos while investigations into the incident continue.