Nigeria Ogun Claims Misleading Information Led to French Court’s Jet Seizure Ruling

Ogun State disputes a Paris court's decision to seize Nigerian presidential jets, claiming they were not notified. The state government argues that Zhongshan Fucheng misled the court and asserts the jets are protected under international law. Legal resistance continues in various jurisdictions.

The Ogun State government has contested a recent French court decision permitting Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd to seize three Nigerian presidential jets. The court's order, which was issued as security for a claim of €74,459,221, has sparked controversy as Ogun State claims they were not informed of the legal proceedings.

The Paris court's ruling allows Zhongshan to use the jets stationed at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports as collateral. However, Kayode Akinmade, the special adviser to the Ogun State governor, asserts that Zhongshan misled the court. According to Akinmade, the firm has only constructed a perimeter fence around the free-trade zone, rather than fulfilling its contractual obligations.

Akinmade's statement highlights a pattern of what he describes as fraudulent behavior by Zhongshan. He argues that the court's decision is flawed because the jets, used exclusively for government functions, are protected from seizure under international and French law. He further notes that this case mirrors past disputes, such as the P&ID case, where similar tactics were employed.

The Ogun State administration, which took office in 2019, has challenged the arbitration award, arguing that it was unfair. The state and federal governments have actively resisted the enforcement of the seizure order in multiple jurisdictions, including the US and UK, with ongoing appeals to prevent the execution of the judgment.

Akinmade emphasized that Ogun State will continue to fight against what he views as an unjust decision that threatens the state's assets and governance.


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