The Federal Government has reportedly opened diplomatic discussions with South Africa on the seizure of the illegal cash imported by two Nigerians and an Israeli citizen to purchase arms on behalf of Nigerian security services.
Federal Government Claims Ownership Of Cash In Private Jet
The private jet may have been released to the Nigerian government pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by South Africa as a result of the preliminary diplomatic talks held by both governments.
The government insisted the deal was not illegal.
Initial reports had it that a private jet belonging to Ayo Oritsejafor, the National President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), was used to convey the ‘illegal’ money but the pastor has denied any involvement in the alleged deal.
According to Vanguard , the private jet may have been released to the Nigerian government pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by South Africa as a result of the preliminary diplomatic talks held by both governments.
It was gathered from a source that the South African Government only faulted “non-declaration” of the cash by the delegation from Nigeria.
The source said:
Asked why South Africa impounded the cash, the source added: “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.
The source added that,
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