Oritsejafor confirms ownership of jet seized with $9.3 million cash

Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation today confirmed the private jet seized weekend by South African authorities with a stack of $9.3 million in cash meant for arms purchase, belonged to the the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor.

But according to the ministry, Oritsejafor had no control over the aircraft because he had leased it to another party.

Premium Times reports that Oritsejafor’s church also confirmed the ownership in a separate statement Tuesday. The church said the pastor has a “residual interest” in Eagle Air, a company that manages the aircraft.

“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 by The Word of Life Bible Church said.

The aircraft was leased to, and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2, the statement added.

In an earlier statement, Eagle Air Company admitted ownership of the jet held in South Africa for conveying $9.3 million cash for alleged arms deal.

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

Read the story of the arrest here