Nigerian Government has defended the
controversial $9.3million seized from a private jet
by South African immigration on September 5th.
In a diplomatic discussion it opened with the
South African government yesterday September
16th, FG said they are aware of the deal (money
was meant to procure arms) and have presented
documents on the transaction process to the
South African govt as proof that the entire
operation involving the seized aircraft belonging
to CAN president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, was
genuine. Continue…
A source who spoke with Vanguard confirmed the
on-going discussion between the two
governments and said the seized aircraft has
been released by the South African government.
The source added that the money was seized
following failure by Nigerian delegates to declare
the money at South African airport
“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. 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. 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.” the source said