FG Launches Probe Into Azman Air Over Alleged Aircraft Delivery to Sanctioned Iran
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched an investigation into Azman Air over allegations of illegally delivering an aircraft to Iran, reportedly enabling the country to bypass U.S.-imposed sanctions.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) confirmed the inquiry, though it noted that smuggling activities primarily fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Speaking on the matter, NCAA spokesperson Mike Achimugu said, “These are weighty allegations. While smuggling is under the purview of Customs, we have forwarded the matter to the relevant directorates for investigation.”
The allegations stem from a report by the Middle East Forum Observer, which claimed Azman Air delivered an Airbus A340-642 widebody passenger aircraft to Iran’s largest airline, Mahan Air, on November 15, 2024. The aircraft, which departed from Kano, reportedly switched off its Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder mid-flight after entering Iranian airspace and later landed at Tehran’s Mehrabad International Airport.
Mahan Air, a sanctioned airline linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, is accused of using African connections to circumvent long-standing U.S. sanctions on its aviation sector. The report claims Nigerian authorities were negligent, allowing Mahan Air to exploit the situation to acquire the aircraft.
Further allegations suggest that French authorities intercepted another Azman Air Airbus A340-642 on December 11, 2024, at Châteauroux Airport in France. The aircraft was allegedly en route to Kaduna, Nigeria, where it was to be temporarily stored, re-registered, and flown to Iran.
Attempts to contact Azman Air’s Chairman, Abdulmunaf Sarina, were unsuccessful as his phone line remained busy at the time of the report.
The Middle East Forum Observer alleged that Mahan Air relies on acquiring aircraft like the Airbus A340-642 through intermediaries in African nations, including Nigeria, Gambia, and Burkina Faso. These aircraft, equipped with Rolls-Royce engines, are said to be crucial for maintaining Mahan Air’s operations, including cargo and personnel transport linked to military activities.
The report further called on U.S. authorities to strengthen monitoring of aircraft movements in Africa and impose sanctions on organizations allegedly enabling Iran’s sanctions evasion.
The Federal Government has promised a thorough investigation to determine Azman Air’s role in the matter and ensure Nigeria’s aviation sector remains compliant with international laws and sanctions.