AYO ORITSEJAFOR OWNS PRIVATE JET CAUGHT WITH $9.3MILLION IN SA

There were reports that a private Jet had been seized in South Africa, yesterday and two Nigerians and an Isreali were been investigated for trying to smuggle in $9.3 million cash into South Africa.

Today, CAN president Ayo Oritsejarfor has claimed ownership of the jet with US registration number N808HG. Although Pastor Ayo via a statement he released today said he had leased the jet to another company and he cannot be held responsible for actions carried out by the company.

"On behalf of Pastor Oritsejafor, we can confirm that although he holds an interest in Eagle Air, the aircraft in question is not operated by Pastor Oritsejafor. The aircraft was leased to, and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2” a statement from the church read.

The management of Green Coast Produce Limited also confirmed via a statement that the aircraft was leased to them. But the aircraft was hired by John Ishyaku and therefore they are not liable for any alleged infractions either in Nigeria or South Africa after the hire.

“On the 5th of September 2014 the aircraft was hired from us by a John Ishyaku. The charter to John Ishyaku was upon the following documented terms: (a) Depart Abuja-Johannesburg on the 5th of September 2014 (b) Return to Abuja on the 6th of September 2014 (c) To wait and return with the passengers. All cargoes were accompanied by passenger who could readily defend the contents. We are not and cannot be privy to any alleged extraneous cargo transported on the aircraft other than that declared in the agreed terms of hire. We are not liable and cannot be construed as a party to any alleged infractions, either in Nigeria or South Africa as he case may be, after the hire of the aircraft." the company said.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli who were caught with the money allegedly meant for buying and supplying weapons to the Nigeria intelligence services. A South Africa-based newspaper,City Press, reported that the trio, who are already facing investigations landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg on September 5, in the jet from Abuja with the money loaded in three suitcases.