Marafa denies ordering cash payment

Former Minister of State and Secretary General at the Presidency, Marafa Hamidou Yaya, has stated that he did not order the transfer of 29 million US Dollars in cash to the US-based Company GIA International for the acquisition of a presidential airplane from Boeing Company back in 2001.

Speaking yesterday as defence witness at the Mfoundi High Court in Yaounde he stated that he instructed for 2 million US Dollars to be transferred to Boeing via GIA International as deposit for a Second Generation Business Boeing Jet (BBJ-2) under construction from US-based Boeing.

"I was unaware until later that 29 million US Dollars in cash had been transferred by the National Hydrocarbons Corporation to GIA International," he said stating he preferred the mode of financing through a Letter of credita as guarantee for 29 million US Dollars.

At press time the prosecution sought to know if he had verified the credibility of GIA International before ordering the transaction as well as the whereabouts of the 29 million US Dollars.