The Presidency has condemned a French court’s decision to seize three Nigerian presidential jets, citing a botched deal between the Ogun State government and Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, a Chinese company.
The company had approached the court over a revoked contract to manage a free-trade zone in Ogun State, claiming the state government failed to meet its obligations. However, the Presidency accused the Chinese company of misleading the court and attempting to take over offshore assets of the Federal Government through subterfuge.
In a statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, denied any contractual obligations with the company. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice is working with the Ogun State government to quash the case.
The Presidency alleged that the Chinese company withheld vital information and misled the Judicial Court in Paris. The seized jets, stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports, are protected by diplomatic immunity, making them inaccessible to foreign courts.
Onanuga stated that the Federal Government is aware of the company’s failed attempts to take over offshore assets and is working to discharge the frivolous order in Paris immediately. The Ogun State Government is also seeking an amicable resolution to the matter.
