Buhari Demands Seized $9.3m Arms Money from S/Africa, Probes Deal

Federal Government has said that it will demand for the release of the $9.3 million weapon money seized   from some agents of the immediate past administration of Goodluck Jonathan by the South African authorities on September 5, 2014.

This is coming as President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to probe the Goodluck Jonathan administration’s deal.

Some of the nagging questions are: What actually went wrong with the $9.7million arms deal? Why was the cash flown to South Africa from Nigeria? Was the money, which South Africa impounded, actually meant for arms purchase?

The cash was seized by South African security men last September as it was being transferred into their country on a private jet by agents of the Federal Government.

Former President Jonathan’s government claimed that the money was mearnt to puchase arms from private companies in South Africa.

According to the government, Nigeria resorted to private puchase of arms to fight Boko Haram because the United States declined to sell arms to the country, in addition to persuading its allies not to allow sale of arms and ammunition to the country.

But eyebrows were raised about the manner the money was taken to South Africa.

“I will attempt to ask him (President Zuma) about our $9.7 million which was not correctly transferred,” Buhari told Nigerians in South Africa during a meeting with them in Johannesburg to round off his visit to the country for the African Union (AU) Summit.

He said: “I’m told there are 83 Nigerians in prisons, I don’t know what they have done but I spoke to the President of South Africa this afternoon. He wants to come to Nigeria. There are issues we will talk about, I will certainly talk to him, I hope our ambassador will send a comprehensive report about the court cases, about those who lost properties during the disturbances.”

The South African authorities froze $9.3 million transported in cash by two Nigerians and an Israeli for arms purchase. At the time, South Africa said the transaction violated its laws on movement of cash.

The two Nigerians and an Israeli were arrested at the  Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, on September 5 in a private jet from Abuja.

The money, stashed in three suitcases, raised suspicion when the passengers’ luggage were unloaded and put through the scanners.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in South Africa said there was an invoice for helicopters and armaments intended to be used in Nigeria.

Two black plastic suitcases, filled with 90 blocks each containing US$100,000 in notes, with combination locks, were seized, as well as two pieces of hand luggage also containing US currency, according to City Press.

The Israeli national, Eyal Mesika, had the combination to open the locks.

Under South African laws, a person entering or leaving the country is expected to carry cash not exceeding US$2,300, or the equivalent in foreign currency notes.

The private jet involved belonged to the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) Pastor Ayo Ortisejafor.

Pastor Oritsejafor said the plane was on lease to a third party and he could not be blamed for its schedules.

President Buhari also promised to implement the cardinal policies of his administration.

He said: “Government is determined to secure the country, manage the economy, create employment and fight corruption. Some articulate writers have said if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria. This APC administration intends to kill corruption in Nigeria. We will do our best, I assure you.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) government, Buhari said, is determined to secure the country, improve the economy and eliminate corruption.

According to him, the G7 leaders have expressed commitment to helping Nigeria tackle insecurity and develop its oil and gas sectors.

“We are getting the facts and logistic requirements together,” he said.