Ibikunle Amosun Denounces Chinese Firm’s Claims in Presidential Jets Seizure Scandal

Former Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has strongly refuted the recent allegations regarding the seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets by a Chinese company, Zhongfu International Investment FXE. Amosun labeled Zhongfu as an impostor, accusing it of attempting to undermine another Chinese firm, China Africa Investment FXE, and covertly seize control of state-owned assets in Guangdong Province, China.

In a statement shared with DAILY POST, Amosun detailed the background of the dispute, which began shortly after he assumed office in 2011. He explained that two Chinese companies—China Africa Investment FXE and Zhongfu International Investment FXE—were both vying for control over the Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ).

The rivalry between these companies escalated rapidly, leading to a halt in business activities within the Zone and posing threats to public safety in nearby communities. Amosun revealed that Zhongfu International Investment FXE initially presented itself as a concerned stakeholder and provided damaging information about its competitor, China Africa Investment FXE.

Based on the information available at the time, the Ogun State Government appointed Zhongfu as the interim manager of the Zone in March 2012, pending further evaluation. However, further investigations uncovered that Zhongfu’s claims were baseless, and its true intention was to discredit China Africa Investment FXE and seize control of the Zone and its assets.

In 2016, the Chinese government intervened with Diplomatic Note 1601, affirming that China Africa Investment FXE was the legitimate investor in the OGFTZ. Following this clarification, the Ogun State Government terminated Zhongfu’s interim management in May 2016.

Amosun emphasized that the decision was made after thorough consultations with relevant government bodies, including the State Security Services and the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA). He also highlighted that Zhongfu had pursued legal action in various Nigerian courts but lost all four cases.

This clarification from Amosun aims to address and dispel the confusion surrounding the controversial seizure of Nigeria’s presidential jets and the involvement of Zhongfu International Investment FXE.