South African authorities on the seizure of $9.3m illegally imported
by two Nigerians and an Israeli citizen to purchase arms on behalf of
Nigerian security services. The Nigerian government insisted that the
deal was legal.
This is just as National President of Christian Association of
Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, whose private jet, a Bombadier
Challenger 600 marked N808HG, was used to convey the money has denied
any involvement in the alleged deal.
It was gathered that the Federal Government has released data and
documents on the transaction process to South Africa, thereby
confirming that the entire operation involving the aircraft was
'genuine'.
(Photo: Lanseria Airport, Johannesburg, S-Africa. INSET: The
Bombardier Challenger jet.)
Vanguard reported that as a result of the preliminary diplomatic talks
which were convincing to the South African authorities, the private
jet may have been released to the Nigerian government pending the
conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by South Africa.
According to findings, the Bi-Focal diplomatic talks with South Africa
were both at governmental level and exchanges by intelligence services
of the two nations.
Sources said the diplomacy also covered sharing of vital security
information to prove that the deal was necessary.
It was gathered that the South African Government only faulted
"non-declaration" of the cash by the delegation from Nigeria.
The source said: "Nigeria and South Africa are getting closer to
diplomatic resolution of the row over the $9.3m transaction. The two
nations have opened discussions.
"The Federal Government has submitted relevant data and documents on
the transaction to South Africa and insisted that the transaction was
legitimate.
"It also clarified that the funds were neither laundered nor smuggled
for any covert manoeuvres. No launderer will be audacious to fly into
a country in a chartered jet with such huge cash.
"The technical details on security matters, which necessitated the
deal had been availed South Africa for screening.
"Based on initial scrutiny of the documents, the Challenger Jet has
been released pending conclusion of a full-scale investigation by
South Africa."
Asked why South Africa impounded the cash, the source added: "There
was procedural error at the airport, the team did not declare the
$9.3million contrary to the aviation and Customs laws of South Africa.
So, there was an oversight on the part of the delegation that went to
complete the transaction.
"Nigeria is trying to complete the formality and we are confident that
the cash will be released for the purpose it was meant for."
The source added that, "Movement of cash for strategic purchase of
security equipment by intelligence services is not new; it is a global
trend. The FBI, KGB, MOSSAD and others do it."
I have no hand in arms deal--Oritsejafor
Meanwhile, the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria,
CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, whose private jet, a Bombadier Challenger
600 marked N808HG, was used to smuggle $9.3m into South Africa for
alleged purchase of arms for the security services has denied any
involvement in the alleged deal.
Denying any involvement in the use of the aircraft to smuggle money
into South Africa, Pastor Oritsejafor in a statement yesterday, said
the private jet has been on lease to another company, Green Coast
Produce Limited since August 2 this year.
The statement signed by one Bayo Adewoye on behalf of Pastor
Oritsejafor said, "the Word of Life Bible Church has been made aware
of the recent media interest regarding an aircraft (Bombardier
Challenger 600, Registration No N808HG) owned by Eagle Air Company in
which our Pastor, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, holds a residual interest.
On behalf of Pastor Oritsejafor, we can confirm that although he holds
an interest in Eagle Air, the aircraft in question is not operated by
Pastor Oritsejafor. The aircraft owned by Eagle Air Company, has
confirmed that since 2nd August 2014, the aircraft has been leased to
and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited. This is a standard
practice in the industry. Any and all enquiries in respect of the
day-to-day operations of this aircraft are properly directed to the
management of Green Coast Produce Limited.
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