The Christian Association of Nigeria and the firms operating the aircraft that was used to smuggle $9.3m cash from Nigeria to South Africa have absolved the CAN National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, of involvement in the deal.
They argued that although the man of God had interest in Eagle Air Company, the owner of the aircraft used to take the money to South Africa, the firm had been leased to Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2, 2014.
The Director of National Issues in CAN, Mr. Sunny Oibe, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday said Oritsejafor was not an arms dealer.
The association also said the report carried by an online portal was sponsored by some members of the opposition political party because of Oritsejafor’s support for President Goodluck Jonathan.
The statement partly read, “The aircraft in question is owned by Eagle Air Company and the CAN President is an interested party in the company. Since August 2, 2014, this aircraft has been leased to Green Coast Produce Limited. They lease this aircraft and people rent it from them. All investigations about the plane should be directed to the management of Green Coast Produce Limited, a duly registered company. Further enquiries about this should be confirmed from Eagle Air Company which leased this Aircraft.