Court summons NCAA, FAAN, others over disputed ownership of two bombardier jets

A federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has summoned the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Aero Contractors, among others, over contempt of court in the disputed ownership of two Bombardier jets at Lagos airport.

Also held in contempt are the Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Muktar Usman; Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi and a pilot in the Presidential Fleet, Captain Baba Mohammed.

Justice Hassan, at the hearing of contempt proceedings, mandated all to appear before the court on January 15, 2019.

The Guardian recently reported that two Bombardier Dash 8 Q300 aircraft, formerly used by Topbrass Aviation Services Limited, a local operator, were allegedly stolen in Lagos.

The airplanes with registration numbers 5N-TBB and 5N-TBC have been the focus of a legal tussle between the lessor, Seagold Investment Limited, and Topbrass Aviation Services.

Some interested parties in the sector, however, allegedly acquired the aircraft and relocated same contrary to the orders of the Federal High Court that none of the parties should access the asset.

The planes were removed from their lots at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) and stationed at the Aero Contractors’ Maintenance and Overhaul (AMO) hanger but with their registration numbers already wiped off, prompting Topbrass to file for contempt.

Justice Hassan, at the hearing recently, ruled that the lawyer representing FAAN, Captain Baba Mohammed, Aero Contractors and Sanusi, should sign an undertaking to present the persons in court, citing that the matter is a quasi-criminal case or he would issue a bench warrant to bring all parties to court on January 15, 2019.