National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has accused a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, of attempting to defraud Nigeria in a dispute involving the Ogun State Government.
The conflict, which dates back to a 2007 agreement to develop the Ogun Free Trade Zone, led to the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets after a $74.5 million arbitration award was issued in favour of Zhongshan.
In a statement on Saturday, Amosun emphasised that the Chinese firm has no legal right to seize Nigerian assets, describing the company as an imposter.
“Zhongfu is not a lawful representative and is merely seeking to convert state-owned assets for its own gain,” he said.
Amosun added that the Chinese government has disowned the company, clarifying that China Africa Investment FXE is the rightful investor.
Amosun further noted that the company had lost multiple court cases in Nigeria and warned that entertaining Zhongfu’s claims would be akin to the P&ID case, where Nigeria was targeted by a fraudulent scheme.
He pledged to support government efforts to prevent any scam attempts against Nigeria.
He urged Nigerian authorities to reject any negotiation with Zhongfu and assured that his administration did not harass or intimidate the company’s staff, contrary to allegations.
