Oritsejafor admits ownership of of jet stashed with $10m in S/A

Christian Association of Nigeria president Christian Association of Nigeria has admitted ownership of the private jet seized weekend by South African authorities with a stack of $9.3 million in cash. Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka however told PremiumTimes that Oritsejafor leased the jet to another party, meaning Mr. Oritsejafor had no control over the use of the aircraft. Mr. Oritsejafor’s church also confirmed the ownership in a separate statement today Sept 16:

 “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”

In an earlier statement, Eagle Air Company’s General Manager, Emmanuel Ohaeri admitted ownership of the jet buy said the aircraft was leased to Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2. Excerpt of the statement reads;

“Our attention has been drawn to press reports in respect of an aircraft (Bombardier Challenger 600, Registration No N808HG) in which our company holds a residual interest. We wish to confirm that the said aircraft has since the 2nd of August 2014 been leased to and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited. The company and Mr. Ortisejafor’s church advised that all media enquiries in respect of the day-to-day operations of the aircraft be directed to the management of Green Coast Produce Limited.”

In yet another statement, the management of Green Coast Produce Company Limited confirmed the aircraft had been leased to it, saying such transactions were normal in the aviation industry.

 “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 statement reads.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli were caught with the money allegedly meant for buying and supplying weapons to the Nigeria intelligence services on Sept 5. 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.