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Seized presidential jet: Judgment creditor, Chinese firm ready for talks with FG.
The Chinese company behind the seizure of three Nigerian government presidential jets, Zhongshan, has said it is open to discussions and committed to settling the face-off between it and the Nigerian government.
Zhongshan, the Chinese company whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun State Government in 2016, had sought the intervention of the French court in his contractual dispute with the state government.
Following this move, the court ordered the seizure of the Federal Government’s jets, having been a respondent in the matter.
It will be recalled that on June 29, 2010, Zhuhai Zhongfu Industrial Group Co Ltd, the parent company of Zhongshan, and the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone entered into an agreement on the establishment of Fucheng Industrial Park within the zone.
This agreement gave Zhuhan the right to develop and run Fucheng Park within the zone.
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority registered Zhongfu International Investment Nig, a subsidiary of Zhongshan, as a free trade zone enterprise within the OGFZ in 2011.
The state government later appointed Zhongfu as the interim manager/administrator of the zone.
However, in July 2016, Zhongfu alleged that the government had moved to terminate its appointment and appoint another manager for the free trade zone.
This caused the Chinese company to commence an investment treaty arbitration against Nigeria, citing the bilateral investment treaty between the People’s Republic of China and Nigeria.
In the cause of the legal battle, an arbitral tribunal awarded Zhongshan about $74.5m in compensation, but the Ogun State Government, which has an axe to grind with Zhongshan, did not honor the award.
Zhongshan’s statement reads, “Zhongshan has only ever sought to assert its rights under international law and is confident in its case. The independent arbitral panel was found unanimously in its favor, and courts in multiple countries have upheld the view that the panel’s compensation should be enforced. The French court was fully aware of the facts when it reached its decision.
“Far from being just a fence, the Ogun Free Trade Zone was featured as a significant international investment by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
“Zhongshan has for a long time been ready to enter serious negotiations with the Federal Government of Nigeria to settle this case and still awaits an indication that the government is equally willing.”
However, the Ogun State government’s response to the incident, was that it described the French court’s verdict as unfair.
Media aide to the state governor, Kayode Akinmade, noted that the aircraft in question, “Are used solely for sovereign purposes and as such are immune from attachment under international and French law. In obtaining the provisional attachments, Zhongshan deliberately withheld information from the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ogun State, and their legal counsel.”
The Federal Government also condemned the seizure of the aircraft, stating that it would explore legal and diplomatic means to resolve the matter.
Entertainment
2Baba Cries Out For Help in Now Deleted Instagram Post
This morning, 2Baba posted “Help Me” on his Instagram stories, but less than 20 minutes later, the message vanished.
For the past few days, his relationship with his current wife, Senator Natasha Osawaru, has been under serious scrutiny, as a series of public incidents have surfaced and fuelled widespread speculation about the state of their marriage.
His cry for help should not be taken lightly. But who will answer him?
Will it be his family, his close friends, or the entertainment industry that has benefited from his legendary career?
At this point, one thing is clear. The music icon seems to be calling for real support and those around him cannot afford to look away.
Trending
BREAKING: Unknown Gunmen Attack Gov. Otti’s Advance Team In Imo, As Scores Were Kidnapped From A Bus Along Owerri-Road Road
An advance team of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in the early hours of Tuesday, December 2, 2025, along the Umuowa–Ihite axis in Imo State.
The three-member team was en route to Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, when the attack occurred shortly before the airport junction.
In a statement electronically signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Abia Government clarified that Governor Otti’s main convoy was not involved in the incident and was nowhere near the location at the time.
“The convoy of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, was not attacked. No member of the advance team or any other person sustained injury, and no life was lost,” the statement stressed, urging the public to disregard rumours suggesting otherwise.
It was learned that Security agencies have been notified, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the assailants.
Meanwhile, a commercial bus plying along Owerri -Aba road towards the Ngor Okpala axis was attacked Monday and scores of passengers were feared kidnapped by yet-to-identify gunmen.
Trending
Gunmen attack Ngige’s convoy in Anambra
The convoy of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was attacked by gunmen in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Ngige who confirmed the incident to newsmen, stated that he was not in the convoy when the attack occurred. He mentioned that several people were shot and injured.
“I was not in the convoy. I’m still alive and well. Those hoodlums have started again. I came to my state to relax, but what happened is unfortunate. I will go back to Abuja. But I assure those who did this, they will not go unpunished.” he said
The vehicles were reportedly returning from a mechanic workshop in Nkpor when the gunmen struck along the busy Umuoji–Nkpor Road leading to Alor, Ngige’s hometown.
According to Mr. Fred Chukwulobelu, Ngige’s former Special Adviser on Media, a policeman in the pilot car was shot, and the attackers, dressed in police and army uniforms, took away his gun and uniform.
He also confirmed that a woman filming the incident was fatally shot. He added that a shop owner who rushed out to see what was happening was also shot; he lost significant blood and is scheduled for surgery, but is expected to recover fully.
The pilot car was riddled with bullets, while the wounded escort leader has undergone surgery and is also expected to recover.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command said it has launched a state-wide manhunt for the perpetrators.
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