Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and founder of Word of Life Bible Church, has publicly addressed longstanding allegations that his private jet was used to transport weapons and money. In an interview with Channels TV host Seun Okinbaloye, Oritsejafor claimed he had leased the aircraft to another party and was unaware of its alleged use in a controversial incident involving South Africa.
Oritsejafor denies knowledge of arms transport
According to Oritsejafor, he was shocked when informed that the jet was allegedly used to move funds for arms purchases. “I had no idea of what happened. When you have a plane, to maintain that plane costs a lot of money. So, what I did was I leased it to a gentleman here in Abuja. I didn’t know what he did with the plane, who he hired it to or who rented the plane. I had no idea,” he said.
He recalled receiving a call while at a hotel: “I was in the hotel when someone called me and said, there is a problem with your plane. Then they told me that the plane was used to take money to South Africa to buy arms or something. That was how I found out about it. Because I didn’t know. I had no single idea.”
Links to Goodluck Jonathan and Dasuki
The cleric also addressed suspicions linking him to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. “Former President Jonathan is still alive. I think you can ask him. Dasuki was his NSA at that time. I think you can ask him. They are still alive. Find out from them if I knew anything. Because I didn’t know,” he stated.
Oritsejafor’s comments come amid continued public interest in the allegations, which have circulated for years. The jet was reportedly seized in South Africa in 2014, with claims it was carrying $9.3 million intended for illegal arms purchases. Oritsejafor has consistently denied any involvement.
Reflections on Nigeria’s insurgency fight
On Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency, Oritsejafor reflected on his warnings to the government during his tenure as CAN president. “I warned seriously, and I told the then president, Jonathan. I would think he did the best he could. Because I discovered that some nations… contacted Israel, the UK, France, and others not to sell arms to him. How do you fight insurgency without ammunition, without guns, without bullets?” he said.
His remarks have sparked mixed reactions online. Some social media users expressed skepticism, while others defended him. Instagram user carin_pharmacy commented: “Oritsejafor is beginning to look Verrrry Verrrry ????. He should go easy with whatever he's doing ????.” Another user, odogwu5844, said: “Damage control ??? You had no business buying a plane.”
User chief_bundleo wrote: “This man used CAN to cash out heavily that year ……I wonder what they do with that so much stolen loot ???.” Meanwhile, ayomi___x joked: “Until I open a church, I won’t rest! Please guys, support my dream of opening a church??.”
rikkioma4 noted: “Omo pastors are part of the 4 arms of government ohhh. Lowkey they are politicians and they follow Dey rule the country. No wonder they're so rich.” yomifphe16780 focused on his appearance: “Pastor Ayo and Steeze ??? is the hairstyle for me ??? papa of papas.”
therealchuka commented on Nigeria’s private jet culture: “Funny how Nigeria is one of the top countries patronizing private jets globally, yet we have a huge p0verty rate. And even in France, where Bombardier well is known, they don’t even produce as many private jets, yet we still lead in this patronage ?.”
Other reactions included fortunate_damstrael_autos saying: “Have you ever seen someone using a lost knife to peel yam ??❤️.” princenwataanayoeze1 added: “??Just be smart and know how to talk... is very important.”
Oritsejafor’s battle with cancer
In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that Ayo Oritsejafor opened up about his battle with cancer, which he kept hidden from many in his church. He shared posts on his Instagram page detailing his struggle, the thousands of dollars spent on treatment, and months spent bedridden. He did not disclose the specific type of cancer but described the ordeal as challenging.
