Connect with us

Published

on

banner

Chinese Company issues statement after masterminding siezure of 3 Nigerian presidential aircrafts

The Chinese company Zhongshan, whose export processing zone management contract was revoked by the Ogun State government in 2016, has expressed its readiness to settle its dispute with the Nigerian government.

Advertisement

According to Premium Times, Zhongshan issued a statement on Thursday, August 15, 2024, underscoring its confidence in the legal process and the arbitral ruling favoring it.

The statement reads, “Zhongshan has only ever sought to assert its rights under international law and is confident in its case. The independent arbitral panel found unanimously in its favor, and courts in multiple countries have upheld the view that the panel’s compensation should be enforced. The French court was fully aware of the facts when it reached its decision.”

Advertisement

The company also emphasised the international importance of the Ogun Free Trade Zone, recognized by the Economist Intelligence Unit as a significant global investment.

Zhongshan reiterated its readiness to engage in serious negotiations with the Nigerian government to reach a settlement, but noted it is still awaiting a positive response from the authorities.

Advertisement

Previously, a French court authorized the seizure of three presidential jets linked to the Nigerian government as part of efforts to enforce Zhongshan’s $74.5 million compensation awarded by the arbitration panel.

Legal papers have been served to prevent the movement, sale, or purchase of the jets until the compensation is settled.

Advertisement

In response to the court’s decision, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, characterized the French court’s order as an “arm-twisting tactic” by Zhongshan.

Onanuga claimed the company misled the French court by withholding crucial information and argued that the presidential jets were in France for routine maintenance when the order was issued.

Advertisement

He maintained that as sovereign assets, the jets are protected by diplomatic immunity and should not be subject to foreign court rulings.

Both the Federal and Ogun State governments, according to Onanuga, have attempted to resolve the issue, but the dispute continues.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos

Published

on

banner

282 Passengers safe as plane makes emergency landing in Lagos

A Qatar Airways passenger plane on Friday made an emergency landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos after developing a technical fault mid-flight.

Advertisement

The aircraft, which had 248 passengers and 12 crew members on board, was forced to land abruptly after the malfunction was detected while it was operating within Nigerian airspace.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement released by its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu.

Advertisement

According to him, the agency was alerted to the situation through its 767 and 112 toll-free emergency lines, prompting an immediate response from emergency officials.

He explained that upon receiving the distress call, the LASEMA Response Team (LRT) was swiftly deployed to the airport to assess the situation and provide necessary support.

Advertisement

“Upon arrival at the scene, the LASEMA Response Team confirmed that the aircraft was in distress,” the statement noted.

“The pilot executed a safe landing on the runway at Murtala Mohammed International Airport with LASEMA Response Team and other emergency responders standing by on extreme high alert on the runway.

Advertisement

“Collaborative efforts of the multi-agency responders were coordinated. After proper check by the pilot and the engineering crew, the aircraft was moved to the apron for detailed inspection and prompt repairs.”

“All passengers of the distressed airplane were evacuated safely; no injuries reported, no loss of lives,” the statement said.

Advertisement

Despite the technical issue and the emergency landing, the agency stated that there was the aircraft experienced no major damage.

“The aircraft has been secured on the apron. Recovery activities have been completed,” the statement added.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

Published

on

banner

80 repentant militants surrender arms, assorted weapons to Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the voluntary surrender of 80 militants in Cross River State under the amnesty programme of the state government.

Advertisement

The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade, Maj. Yemi Sokoya, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Sokoya said that the militants surrendered in the early hours of Friday, at Atimbo Rear Area, following Operation OKWOK, in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, within the area of responsibility of the 13 Brigade.

Advertisement

According to him, the repentant militants emerged from two camps, with one group led by ThankGod Ebikontei, also known as Ayibanuagha, presenting 39 fighters.

He said that the second camp, headed by John Isaac, also known as Akpokolo, submitted 41 fighters.

Advertisement

Sokoya added that assorted arms, ammunition and other items, were also voluntarily surrendered during the exercise.

He said that these included: rifles, pump-action guns, single-barrel weapons, magazines, ammunition, speed boats, boat engines and other military-related equipment.

Advertisement

The Commander, 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Paul Alimikhena, described the development as a major confidence-building milestone.

He attributed it to sustained military operations, constructive engagement and effective collaboration with the Cross River State Government and other security agencies.

Advertisement

He said that the brigade would continue to provide a secure environment, while supporting lawful initiatives aimed at reintegrating repentant youths, and ensuring lasting peace across in the area.

The commander said that the surrendered militants had been handed over to the Cross River State Government’s Rapid Response Team and were undergoing profiling by the state’s Department of State Services (DSS).

Advertisement

He commended the State Government, under Gov. Bassey Otu, for its commitment to peace and security.

He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

Published

on

banner

My Husband wants to have s3x with me eight times everynight – Housewife cries for help

A Harare woman, Melocia Gwata, has successfully obtained a court-issued protection order against her husband, George Kusotera, following allegations of excessive sexual demands and physical abuse.

Advertisement

The case was heard at the Harare Civil Court before Magistrate Judith Taruvinga, where Melocia detailed the severity of her ordeal. She told the court that her husband had coerced her into sexual activity up to eight times a night, resorting to violence whenever she refused.

“He wants to have s3x every day and wakes me up in the middle of the night, even after we’ve been intimate countless times on the same day,” Melocia stated.

Advertisement

She further described how the abuse extended beyond physical coercion, with George allegedly threatening divorce and verbally assaulting her in front of their children.

“He has been assaulting me in front of our children, shouting obscenities and telling them I don’t deserve to be called their mother,” she added, highlighting the emotional toll the behaviour has taken on her and the family.

Advertisement

In response, George acknowledged his actions, apologising to his wife and attributing his conduct to love. “I did not realise I was making her uncomfortable. I apologise and promise not to physically abuse her anymore,” he told the court.

After hearing both sides, Magistrate Taruvinga granted Melocia a protection order, legally preventing her husband from further abuse and ensuring her safety.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

Trending

© 2025, All Rights Reserved | Crime Channels