was seized and two Nigerians were being
investigated for trying to smuggling $9.3
million in cash into South Africa (read here). 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.
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