FG Defends Seized Arms To Deal Cash In South Africa

The seized aircraft

 

The Federal Government yesterday opened diplomatic discussions with South African authorities on the seizure of $9.3m illegally imported by two Nigerians and an Israeli citizen to purchase arms on behalf of Nigerian security services. The Nigerian government insisted that the deal was legal.

It was gathered that the Federal Government has released data and documents on the transaction process to South Africa, thereby confirming that the entire operation involving the aircraft was ‘genuine’.

It was further learnt that as a result of the preliminary diplomatic talks which were convincing to the South African authorities, the private jet may have been released to the Nigerian government pending the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation by South Africa.

According to findings, the Bi-Focal diplomatic talks with South Africa were both at governmental level and exchanges by intelligence services of the two nations.

Sources said the diplomacy also covered sharing of vital security information to prove that the deal was necessary.

It was gathered that the South African Government only faulted “non-declaration” of the cash by the delegation from Nigeria.
The source said: “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.”

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.

“Nigeria is trying to complete the formality and we are confident that the cash will be released for the purpose it was meant for.”

The source added that, “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.”

According to reports, the jet departed Abuja on Sept 5th and when it arrived South Africa, Customs officers became suspicious when the passengers’ luggage was unloaded and put through the scanners. The officers then investigated and found three suitcases full of cash. The passengers then told Custom officials that they were acting on behalf of the Nigerian intelligence service and provided documentation confirming they had come to South Africa to buy weapons for the Nigerian Security Services.

Spokesperson of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Marika Muller in a statement said the money was seized at Lanseria airport, north-west of Johannesburg. The statement said “the passengers’ luggage was searched after Customs officials detected irregularities. The money was detained as it was undisclosed/undeclared and above the prescribed legal limit”.

The funds are being held at the central bank as police investigate, SARS spokeswoman, Marika Muller said.

Also, South African airport security spokesman Solomon Makgale confirmed that a police investigation was going on but declined to give further details.