A privately operated aircraft has sparked widespread concern after reportedly landing on a roadway in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, on Wednesday, June 10, following a failed attempt to land at Asaba International Airport.
The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger 601 business jet, was said to have conducted a missed approach at about 7:43 a.m. before diverting and landing on a road still under construction near Asaba.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed that the aircraft later departed the area and flew to Lagos without obtaining the required regulatory clearance.
Upon arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was immediately grounded, while the flight crew were placed under regulatory review as investigations commenced.
The NCAA also suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight pending further inquiries into the incident.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the development, stating that the aircraft left the improvised landing site without proper clearance and that the pilot failed to notify Air Traffic Control before take-off.
He added that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has begun a full review of the aircraft’s operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight records, with further enforcement actions expected.
Keyamo also disclosed that security agencies are already involved, with the crew assisting in ongoing investigations.
Authorities say the incident represents a serious breach of aviation safety procedures, and regulatory actions will continue as findings emerge.