The sum of $9.34m, confiscated by the South African authorities from an Israeli arms dealer, Eyal Mesika, of Cyprus-based ESD International, while acting on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria for arm procurement, is to be handed over to the Nigerian government on November 30, 2015.
According to a South Africa online newspaper paper, beta.iol.co.za, the South African Government would release the arms dealer without prosecution while the government would be open to discussions with Nigeria on further deals on arms.
It was further revealed that two weeks ago, the National Prosecuting Authority of SA resolved to release the cash to the Defence Adviser at the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria. The report added:
"The high court in Pretoria order technically declares the money forfeited to the state, but also refers to the Nigerian government as “the innocent victim” and excludes its interests from the forfeiture order, which means Nigeria gets the money. The handover is on November 30 if there is no further legal challenge."
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