The Nigerian government has opened talks with South Africa after an aircraft conveying $9.3m cash from Abuja, allegedly for arms purchase, was seized by the South African authorities.
Two Nigerians and an Israeli aboard the airplane were detained and are facing investigations for transporting the huge amount into South Africa.
It emerged on Tuesday that the jet is owned by Ayo Oritsejafor, who heads the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

Mr. Oritsejafor denied knowledge of the arms deal saying the aircraft was managed by another company, Eagle Air Company, which in turn, had leased the jet to a third party, Green Coast Produce Limited.

The two firms confirmed that claim in separate statements.
Details of the transaction remained vague beyond that the sum was meant for the purchase of arms for an unnamed Nigerian security agency.
In what appeared the first official confirmation of the deal, security personnel were quoted Tuesday as confirming the order and saying it was a normal practice to procure arms with cash.

Also, the Federal Government has released data and documents on the transaction, telling the South African government the transaction was “legitimate”, according to PRNigeria, an agency that regularly disseminates media statements for the military, police and other security agencies in Nigeria.
The report said talks between the two countries were at the governmental level and between the intelligence services of the two nations.
PRNigeria quoted a senior government official that the South African Government only faulted “non-declaration” of the cash by the delegation from Nigeria.

Read more @ http://newsnownigeria.com.ng/nigerian-govt-admits-ownership-of-9-3-million-arms-money-seized-by-south-africa/