Telecoms giant MTN is in the firing line in a row between Nigeria and South Africa over a blocked arms deal.
Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has approached his South African counterpart about the matter but President Jacob Zuma’s office insists he’s not the man who makes decisions on selling weapons.
Nigeria turned to South Africa to acquire weapons to fight Boko Haram terrorists operating in that country.
An official from Nigeria’s National Security Advisor says an above-board deal was struck with a South African supplier.
It’s now emerged the money sent in payments has been frozen by South Africa’s Asset Forfeiture Unit.
It’s not clear how this relates to the $10 million being held after it was found in the baggage of two Nigerians and an Israeli at Lanseria Airport three weeks ago.
The Nigerian official, who’s asked not to be identified, says they may retaliate against South African firms like MTN operating.