Amosun Denies Presidential Jet Seizure Claims: Accuses Zhongfu International of Deception

Former Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has vehemently denied allegations from Zhongfu International Investment FXE regarding the seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets. Amosun has branded the firm as an impostor, seeking to undermine China Africa Investment FXE, the legitimate investor in the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).

Amosun addressed the ongoing business dispute between Zhongfu International Investment FXE and China Africa Investment FXE, which emerged when he took office in 2011. Both companies had claimed management rights over the OGFTZ, leading to significant disruptions in business activities and threats to public safety in the zone and surrounding areas.

Initially, Zhongfu International Investment FXE had presented itself as a credible stakeholder, even providing damaging information against China Africa Investment FXE, the official representative of Guangdong Province. To manage the situation, the Ogun State government appointed Zhongfu as interim zone manager in 2012 while further investigations were carried out. However, it later became clear that Zhongfu’s claims were false.

Amosun revealed that Zhongfu’s real aim was to discredit China Africa Investment FXE and unlawfully seize state-owned assets in Guangdong Province, including rights within the zone. This led to intervention from the Chinese government in 2016, which issued Diplomatic Note 1601 affirming China Africa Investment FXE as the rightful investor.

Following this confirmation, the Ogun State government, in coordination with relevant agencies, acted according to the Chinese government’s directive. Zhongfu International Investment FXE was officially removed as zone manager in May 2016. Despite Zhongfu’s attempts to challenge this decision in Nigerian courts, the firm lost all its cases.

Amosun also addressed allegations that his administration used security forces to intimidate opponents during the dispute. He dismissed these claims as attempts by rivals to gain an advantage in the conflict.

The former governor expressed his commitment to collaborating with government agencies to prevent fraudulent activities by Zhongfu or any other entity. He remains confident that the issue has been resolved and that his administration’s actions have been defended effectively before national authorities.