South Africa returns seized $15million arms money to Nigeria

South Africa has returned to Nigeria a total of $15million it seized from some Nigerians in South Africa. The monies were $9.3million cash seized on September 5 and another $5.7milion seized about a month later. 

South Africa's President, Jacob Zuma and President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria during a visit

Speaking at a news conference on Friday, the South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, said that the funds have been released to Nigeria as promised on October 14.

The South African government had at the point of seizing the monies said claimed they were for illegal arms purchase Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, insisted that the transactions were legal, urging the South African Government to stop embarrassing Nigeria and desist from actions that could instigate a diplomatic row.

On the collapsed building in the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Lagos, that killed 85 South Africans, Mnguni said the seizure of the monies was not related to it. He said that the two countries had come a long way and that the development would only strengthen the relationship.

He also said: “South Africa’s relation with Nigeria is priceless; it cannot be sold for $15m”.