A senior Nigerian diplomat was caught seeking to spirit away $2.27 million (Rs 10 crore) in cash. It triggered suspicions of a nexus between officials from the African country and its thriving drug syndicates, as well as the possibility of payment of protection money by Indian companies operating there, particularly those involved in oil exploration.

Captain G A Ojedokun, defense adviser to the Nigerian high commissioner here, is being questioned by Income Tax and Enforcement Directorate officials, but would soon be let off because of the diplomatic immunity he enjoys.

Interestingly, the biggest-ever cash haul was made just a day before the new Nigerian high commissioner is scheduled to present his credentials to President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Ojedokun was caught when Indian Airlines staffers handling the baggage on the early morning shift at the Indira Gandhi International Airport were alerted by the X-ray images of contents of his bag. When asked, the Nigerian tried to fob off IA employees saying the bag contained clothes only.

The suspicious baggage handlers, however, refused to let him go even when the protocol officer of MEA accompanying the diplomat strongly intervened on his behalf, citing diplomatic immunity and seeking a smooth passage for Ojedokun .

TIMES OF INDIA