Yesterday there were reports that a private jet was
seized and two Nigerians were being investigated for
trying to smuggling $9.3 million in cash into South
Africa. It turns out that the private jet the
money was found in belongs to the Christian
Association of Nigeria, CAN president, Ayo Oritsejafor
via a company he co-owns, Eagle Air. But in a
statement released today, Pastor Oritsejafor said he
had leased the jet to another company so had no
control over the use of the jet.
"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 was leased to,
and is operated by Green Coast Produce
Limited since August 2” a statement from the
church read.
Green Coast Produce Limited then released a
statement saying that the aircraft was hired by one
John Ishyaku and therefore they can't be liable for
any alleged infractions either in Nigeria or South
Africa after the hire.
“On the 5th of September 2014 the aircraft was
hired from us by a John Ishyaku. The charter to
John Ishyaku was upon the following
documented terms: (a) Depart Abuja-
Johannesburg on the 5th of September 2014
(b) Return to Abuja on the 6th of September
2014 (c) To wait and return with the
passengers. All cargoes were accompanied by
passenger who could readily defend the
contents. We are not and cannot be privy to
any alleged extraneous cargo transported on
the aircraft other than that declared in the
agreed terms of hire. We are not liable and
cannot be construed as a party to any alleged
infractions, either in Nigeria or South Africa as
he case may be, after the hire of the aircraft."
the company said.
The private jet carrying the money, allegedly meant
for buying weapons, landed at Lanseria International
Airport, Johannesburg on September 5. The money
was loaded in three suitcases but attracted suspicion
when the suitcases were scanned. The money and
the jet have been seized by SA customs pending
investigation.
