Nigeria : $9.3m arms deal: Oritsejafor opens up

PRESIDENT of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and founder of the Word of Life Bible Church, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has denied his handling of the operation of Eagle Air, following the seizure of an aircraft, Bombadier Challenger 600, with registration number 808HG, by South African authorities with a stack of $9.3 million in cash purportedly meant for arms purchase. This was contained in a press statement signed by one of Oritsejafor’s aides, Pastor Bayo Adewoye and made available to the Nigerian Tribune. According to the release, Oritsejafor confirmed the ownership of the aircraft, but denied any involvement of its operations, arguing that the aircraft was leased to and operated by Green Coast Produce Limited. “The Word of Life Bible Church has been aware of the recent media interest regarding an aircraft (Bombardier Challenger 600, Registration No N808HG) owned by Eagle Air, in which our pastor, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, holds a residual interest. “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 statement read in part. The statement further insisted that the aircraft had been handed over to Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2, 2014. “The aircraft, owned by Eagle Air Company, has been leased to and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited. This is a standard practice in the industry. ‘‘Any and all enquiries in respect of the day-to-day operations of this aircraft are properly directed to the management of Green Coast Produce Limited. We will be happy to help the authorities with any enquiries,” the statement concluded. ...Nigeria, South Africa open diplomatic talks •FG releases data on transaction, insists deal was legal   •Jet back in Nigeria THERE were indications that Nigeria has opened diplomatic talks with South Africa on how to resolve the stalemate on the controversial $9.3 million seized funds. Also, the Federal Government has released data and documents on the transaction process … continued