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
