DSS Still Detaining Crew of Plane That Landed on Delta Road – Keyamo

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has revealed that the pilot and crew members of the private aircraft that made an emergency landing on a road in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).  

Keyamo disclosed this on Thursday while appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.

He described the incident as a serious security breach and stated that the outcome of the ongoing investigation would be forwarded to President Bola Tinubu.

The minister explained that the crew is undergoing rigorous questioning by security agencies.

The foreign-registered private jet had been cleared to land at Asaba Airport but instead touched down on a concrete road under construction in the area.

Adding to the concerns, the aircraft later departed the scene without proper clearance or waiting for investigators.

Keyamo used the opportunity to reassure Nigerians about the safety of the country’s airspace. He noted that, despite isolated incidents, Nigeria’s aviation safety record has improved significantly under the Tinubu administration.

“For the first time in history, we scored 91.4 per cent this year in terms of our safety and oversight standards” according to International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audits, he said.

The minister also highlighted ongoing infrastructure plans, including a proposed superhighway behind the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos that would connect to the Mafoluku area through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Lagos State Government.

Additionally, Keyamo addressed the financial challenges facing domestic airlines, noting that some have begun making partial debt repayments following government interventions, though significant arrears remain. He emphasised the need for airlines to meet their obligations while acknowledging their operational difficulties.

The Asaba road-landing incident occurred in June 2026 and continues to draw attention due to its security implications. Investigations are ongoing.

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