National Security Adviser - Sambo Dasuki.
South African authorities have confiscated yet another US$5.7
million arms money from Nigeria, nearly three weeks after seizing $9.3
million in cash transported by two Nigerians and an Israeli for arms
purchase, South Africa-based City Express reported Monday.
As with the first deal, South Africa’s Asset Forfeiture Unit of the
National Prosecuting Authority seized the $5.7 million (about N952
million) for allegedly being the proceeds of illegal transactions, the
paper said.
The news came more than two weeks after two Nigerians and an Israeli
national were arrested in South Africa after they attempted to smuggle
US$9.3 million apparently meant for buying arms for the Nigerian
intelligence service.
The men landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, on
September 5 in a private jet from Abuja with the money stashed in three
suitcases.
At the time, the South Africa Revenue Service, SARS, said customs
officers became suspicious when the passengers’ luggage were unloaded
and put through the scanners.
The National Prosecuting Authority, NPA, in South Africa said there
was an invoice for helicopters and armaments intended to be used in
Nigeria.