The controversy surrounding the private aircraft that landed on a road in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, has deepened as Dunamis International Gospel Centre has firmly denied reports linking the aircraft to the church.
The faith-based advocacy group, Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), on Friday dismissed claims that the aircraft, bearing registration number N989BC, belongs to the church, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by its convener, James Adama, the group insisted that Dunamis International Gospel Centre has never owned a private jet, despite having the financial capacity to acquire one if necessary for its evangelical activities.
“We further state clearly and unequivocally that the assertion is a fabrication and underscores the reckless misinformation being deliberately spread to mislead the public,” Adama said.
He warned that the spread of unverified information could attract legal consequences under Nigerian law.
“Spreading false information that harms the reputation of individuals, organisations, or institutions can constitute offences under Nigerian law. This disclaimer serves as formal notice to the general public to discard the said publication as false, fallacious and malicious,” he stated.
Adama further urged journalists, bloggers and members of the public to verify sensitive information before publication.
“Therefore, we urge media outlets, bloggers and individuals to verify information from official sources before publication to avoid legal consequences. The church reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies against those who knowingly disseminate false information intended to cause reputational harm,” he added.
A source within the church also refuted the ownership claim, maintaining that neither the church nor its leadership owns the aircraft in question.
“The church has never announced ownership of any aircraft. It is a lie. It is not registered in the name of Dunamis,” the source said.
The source explained that members occasionally provide support for transportation during major evangelical outreaches.
“Members donate to him to use when he wants to go for a special crusade. It is not owned by the church,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has continued its investigation into the incident. The agency confirmed that it has recovered the aircraft’s Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR), critical components expected to assist investigators in determining the circumstances surrounding the unusual landing.
According to the bureau, the ongoing investigation will include detailed analysis of the recovered recorders, examination of technical and operational records, as well as interviews with relevant parties.
Industry experts have urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation remains underway, stressing that definitive conclusions should await the outcome of the NSIB’s findings.
