September 16, 2014 – President of Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has dissociated himself with reports in the media that two Nigerians and an Israeli were arrested aboard his private jet in South Africa for allegedly attempting to smuggle $9.3 million into the country.
The South African customs according to Reuters discovered the money after searching the chattered aircraft, a Bombardier Challenger 601 which brought in the Nigerians and Israeli from Abuja.
According to Spokesperson for the South African Revenue, Adrian Lackay, three suitcases full of cash were discovered when the passenger luggage was unloaded and put through scanners at Lanseria International Airport, northwest of Johannesburg on September 5, 2014.
He said those aboard the airline provided documents showing they were in SA for purchase of arms but that the Nigerian intelligence service, and National Arms Conventional Arms Control Committee say they were not aware of the deal.
But in a statement on Tuesday evening signed by Emmanuel Ohaeri for Project Eagle Air, the management dissociated Oritsejafor from activities that the airline has been used for on the affected date. According to him, the airline concerned has been on lease since August 2 having been leased to Green Coast Produce Limited.
He added that any inquiry regarding the arms deal should be directed to the Green Coast.
“Our attention has been drawn to press reports in respect of an aircraft (Bombardier Challenger 601 Registration No: N808HG..) in which our company holds a residual interest.
“We wish to confirm that the said aircraft has since 2nd of August 2014 been leased to and is operated by Green coast produce Limited. Any and all enquiries in respect of the day-to-day operations of this aircraft are properly directed to Green Coast Produce Limited”, he said.
Thank you
Signed by Management
Project Eagle Air: Emmanuel Ohaeri
