Jonathan meets security chiefs over seized $9.3m

Pastor Oritsejafor confirms link with aircraft
President Goodluck Jonathan met yesterday with some security chiefs over the $9.3m arms deal that went away in South Africa, a source said.
Jonathan reportedly demanded “full briefing” on how South African security agents impounded the cash from two Nigerian and an Israeli in Pretoria after it was flown in by a private jet.
The Nigerians and the Israeli were said to have told security agents that the money was meant for some arms purchase.
Security chiefs, it was learnt, defended the arms deal as “legitimate”.

Also yesterday, the Federal Government and South African authorities appeared to have struck some understanding on the matter.
Based on diplomatic understanding, the aircraft, a Challenger, and the crew have been released.
But a top intelligence official yesterday claimed that the transaction was “legitimate” and the facts had been made available to the South African government.
He said the arms order was based on “urgent security” concerns in Nigeria.
Investigation by our correspondent revealed that South Africa raised the alarm because of alleged abuse of protocol.