The federal government has denied revered preacher Enoch Adeboye use of his chopper.

Aviation authorities grounded the aircraft at the Lagos airport while the preacher attempted to travel to Ibadan for a program.

The preacher eventually flew to Ibadan in a helicopter belonging to his counterpart, Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), an aviation official to Punch Newspaper.

The news outlet reported that Mr Adeboye had told his church ministers at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during a ministers’ meeting that he arrived late to the meeting because an aviation official was demanding a bribe before he could use his aircraft.

Punch reports that the aircraft, AgustaWestland AW139 chopper, with registration number 5N-EAA, was suspended from flying over two weeks ago, following the expiration of some of its papers and spare parts.

The suspension of the chopper would give way to the regulator to conduct safety checks on its safety-critical components, especially some spare parts that are due for replacement, an official told Punch.

A top official of Omni-Blu Aviation told the news outlet that a letter from Italy-based Leonardo, the manufacturer of Mr Adeboye’s helicopter had earlier demanded a time extension to deliver the parts due for replacement as they produce based on demands.

Sources told the paper that Mr Adeboye was not properly briefed of the expiration of his papers before planning to embark on a trip with the chopper.

Church spokesperson, Olaitan Olubiyi, told Punch that the matter is being resolved and the church will not take up issues regarding the bribery against the Aviation authority.