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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 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.
Jonathan, has a lots of ominous secretes under his sleeve. God will disgrace him.
ReplyDeleteU can imagine!!! FG says it is legitimate and aware of the purchase of weapons and CAN spokesman is busy struttering dt El-Rufai is trying 2 tarnish the image of the 2nd in command of the fed rep of Niger-Deltans aka Pastor Oritsejafor. Continue, diaa rizz God Oº°˚˚°
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