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Adverse weather forced aircraft to fly over Aso Rock, says NCAA
Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has explained that adverse weather conditions forced two aircraft to fly over Aso Rock, a segment of the airspace described as ‘Prohibited Flight Zones’ – DNP4.
The NCAA said it collaborated with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to investigate two recent cases of violation of the prohibited flight zones in Abuja, and established that both violations comprised of controlled flights in a controlled airspace, but which strayed into restricted airspace as a result of adverse weather.
Acting Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, in a statement, said: “We want to assure Nigerians that the country’s airspace is safe and secure. There is no reason to doubt the full coverage of Nigeria’s airspace by Radar as NAMA is in control.”
Najomo said the clarification became imperative because of statements in some quarters insinuating that the Nigerian airspace is insecure due to lack of coverage by Radar.
“NCAA can also confirm that NAMA had complete radar footages of the two violations with full details of the identities of the aircraft and operators involved. This was only made possible due to functional Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radars in Abuja. Similar installations are in Lagos, Kano and Port-Harcourt.
“The Authority, in keeping with its regulatory responsibilities, issued an All Operators Letter (AOL DGCA/021/24) wherein the term ‘unknown aircraft’ was used as reported to NCAA which is the normal security terminology. However, investigations revealed NAMA had complete footages and details of the aircraft that entered the prohibited flight zone.
“The Primary Surveillance Radar alone only identifies aircraft as moving targets without aircraft identity. But, the Monopulse Secondary Surveillance Radar (MSSR), on the other hand, which forms a major component of the TRACON, is the equipment that allows for identification of any aircraft equipped with ATC Mode ‘S’ transponder.
“The requirement for all aircraft flying in controlled airspace to have serviceable ATC transponders is an international standard that Nigeria ensures strict adherence to. This requirement derives from Annex 6 to the Convention on International Aviation is documented in Part 7 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
“This, therefore, makes it a violation of the regulations, and indeed a security breach, for any aircraft to put this system off while flying in controlled airspace, and such action would attract appropriate sanctions in accordance with NCAA’s enforcement procedures, including possible criminal referral.”
United States president, Donald Trump, has congratulated cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as the new Pope, Leo XIV.
In a post on his Facebook page, Trump expressed excitement over the development and described the election as an honour to the American people.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment,” he stated.
White smoke rose from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, indicating the election of a new pope.
Robert Prevost is to be addressed as Pope Leo XIV.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has petitioned the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete a satirical apology she posted on her social media pages.
On 27 April, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared a short video in which she mockingly apologised to Akpabio, claiming it was for not allowing him to have his way with her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan stated she was ‘sorry for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect’ and for rejecting the advances of the Senate President, whom she implied believed no one could refuse him.
The dispute between the two senators stems from an altercation in the Senate chamber over seating arrangements.
This led to Akpoti-Uduaghan initiating a suit that sought to stop the Senate from investigating her for alleged misconduct.
In particular, the senator asked the court to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, from taking any disciplinary action against her.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was later suspended following her accusations against the Senate President, accusing him of sexual harassment.
The presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, on 4 April 2025, restrained all parties involved in the suit from making public comments about the ongoing case.
Meanwhile, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, has filed a fresh application asking the court to direct Akpoti-Uduaghan to delete the video, arguing it violated a judge’s directive.
In his application, Akpabio’s lawyer also requested the court to order Akpoti-Uduaghan to remove the post from all her social media accounts.
Additionally, Ogunwumiju urged the court to mandate Akpoti-Uduaghan to publish a written apology in at least two national newspapers and file an affidavit confirming her compliance.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra on Thursday announced that the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has officially adopted President Bola Tinubu as its candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
Mr Soludo made the announcement at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka during the President’s working visit to the state.
According Mr Soludo, APGA and the All Progressives Congress, APC, will work together, as both parties share a common belief in progressivism.
Mr Soludo said: “Progressives are working together.”
Earlier, the President described Mr Soludo as a competent governor.
While inaugurating several major projects executed by the Soludo administration, the President described Mr Soludo as a friend and a visionary leader.
He said: “I am honoured to be here. I commend my friend, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who is a visionary and competent leader for the work he has been doing in Anambra State.”
The projects set to be commissioned by the President include Emeka Anyaoku Center at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the new Government House, the Solution Fun City, and the 8-lane Aroma–Government House Boulevard in Awka.
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