A privately operated aircraft reportedly made an unexpected landing on a road in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, on Wednesday, June 10, causing concern among residents.

The aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 601 business jet, was said to have landed on an uncompleted roadway after a failed approach to Asaba International Airport.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) stated that the plane carried out a missed approach at about 7:43 a.m. local time before later touching down on a road near Asaba in the Ogwashi-Uku area. The regulator added that the aircraft subsequently departed the location and returned to Lagos without obtaining the necessary regulatory clearance.

On arrival in Lagos, the aircraft was grounded pending investigation, and the flight crew were placed under regulatory scrutiny. The NCAA also suspended the operator’s Permit for Non-Commercial Flight while further inquiries continue.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, confirmed the incident via his verified X account, stating that the aircraft returned to Lagos without proper approval and that the pilot failed to notify Air Traffic Control before take-off, only doing so after becoming airborne.

He further explained that the NCAA has grounded the aircraft and will review all operational, airworthiness, maintenance, and flight records as part of its investigation, with possible further enforcement actions under aviation regulations.

Keyamo also said he had contacted relevant security agencies, who confirmed that the crew are in custody and assisting with investigations.