Thursday, January 15, 2026
  • Who’sWho Africa AWARDS
  • About TimeAfrica Magazine
  • Contact Us
Time Africa Magazine
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
  • News
  • World News
    • US
    • UAE
    • Europe
    • UK
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Russia-Ukraine
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Column
  • Interviews
  • Special Report
No Result
View All Result
Time Africa Magazine
  • Home
  • Magazine
  • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
  • News
  • World News
    • US
    • UAE
    • Europe
    • UK
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Russia-Ukraine
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • Column
  • Interviews
  • Special Report
No Result
View All Result
Time Africa Magazine
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
  • News
  • Magazine
  • World News

Home » Aviation » How Nigeria lost a $57 million Jet to Zhongshang due to 2023 election

How Nigeria lost a $57 million Jet to Zhongshang due to 2023 election

August 24, 2024
in Aviation
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

ReadAlso

Nyash, Abeg, Biko, Amala, Other Nigerian Words Added to the Oxford Dictionary

Trump signals possible follow-up air strikes in Nigeria

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

ADVERTISEMENT

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

ADVERTISEMENT

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

The dispute between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, a Chinese company that recently obtained court documents to ground Nigeria’s Presidential jet, has seen a new twist with the revelation of another court judgment between the two parties.

On August 12, it was disclosed that Zhongshang obtained a court order in France that granted the Chinese company authority to seize some of Nigeria’s foreign assets, including three Presidential jets—the Dassault Falcon 7X, a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, and the recently purchased Airbus A330-243.

While the jets have been released, a court ruling, seen by Neusroom, has shed more light on the legal battle between the Nigerian government and Zhongshang.

How ‘Election’ Led to Nigeria Losing Jet Plane to Zhongshang

Following its business dealings with the Ogun State government, which fell apart in 2016, Zhongshang launched several legal suits against Nigeria.

In March 2021, a UK court ordered Nigeria to pay Zhongshang $55.5 million in compensation for the expropriation, plus $75,000 for moral damages, fees, arbitration costs, and interest. To enforce this arbitral award, which has now exceeded $90 million, Zhongshan initiated proceedings in various countries, including Quebec, Canada.

According to reports seen by Neusroom, Zhongshan, on January 25, obtained a pre-judgment seizure order for an aircraft located in Quebec.

Reports indicate that the aircraft Zhongshan obtained a legal seizure document for was a Bombardier 6000 type BD-700-1A10, which the Nigerian government had impounded from Dan Etete, a former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha in 1995, who was convicted as a money-launderer in 2007.

While Nigeria was validly notified of the legal order that empowered Zhongshan to seize Etete’s jet, which was supposedly purchased for $57 million, it later claimed that the 2023 election held in February and the gubernatorial election in March prevented it from responding to Zhongshan’s legal request.

“An election held in March 2023 in this state effectively paralyzed the region for an extended period,” the court ruling stated in Nigeria’s defense as to why it failed to respond on time.

“According to Nigeria’s request, it was only on October 13, 2023, that an Attorney General was appointed, making it difficult to proceed with the current case due to the absence of a designated responsible authority.”

Judge David Collier of the Superior Court of Quebec, in his ruling, said that Nigeria “chose not to appear before the Quebec Court until January 2024,” adding that “the argument that the Ogun elections complicated information transmission and made it difficult to gather information is not convincing.”

Citing other court cases, Collier said that Nigeria has shown a pattern of not responding on time to legal issues when summoned.

“Under these circumstances, the Court cannot accept that Nigeria acted reasonably, under the circumstances, to explain its delay in responding. Here, Nigeria’s delay is simply unjustified. Zhongshan’s claim is valid, and Nigeria’s delay cannot be attributed to a reasonable cause.”

The recent conflict between Zhongshan and the Nigerian government stems from a business deal in which the Chinese company was contracted to build a Free Trade Zone in Ogun State in 2007 during the administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel.

However, Zhongshan Fucheng reportedly forced out of the deal in 2016 after former Governor Ibikunle Amosun was elected.

While the Nigerian government, in a statement issued by President Tinubu’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, stated that “the Federal Government is not under any contractual obligation with the company,” the government of Nigeria was a party to the motion suit filed by Zhongshan and cannot exempt itself from the case, according to the court ruling.

“It is the State of Nigeria that is being sued and is targeted by the arbitral award. Even though the facts underlying the dispute between the parties occurred in Ogun State, it remains that Nigeria is the party linked to the arbitral award whose enforcement is sought,” the court declared.

Tags: NigeriaZhongshang
ADVERTISEMENT
Previous Post

Mother Goes Blind After Botched $13,000 Facelift

Next Post

Hezbollah launches missile barrage at Israel to avenge top commander

You MayAlso Like

Aviation

Libya’s military chief, 7 others killed in plane crash after takeoff from Turkey

December 25, 2025
Aviation

Man Arrested After Stealing Small Plane at Airport and Crashing Shortly After

December 20, 2025
Aviation

Burkina Faso Detains Eleven Nigerian Military Officers, Seizes Air Force Aircraft

December 9, 2025
Aviation

Airline to Require Plus-Size Flyers to Buy Extra Seat

December 3, 2025
Aviation

Search for Malaysia Airlines MH370 flight to start again in ‘targeted area’ 11 years after disappearance

December 3, 2025
Aviation

Boeing ordered to pay $28 million to 737 MAX crash victims family

November 16, 2025
Next Post
A boy runs past cars destroyed in a recent Israeli strike on August 24, 2024 Mays Al-Jabal, Lebanon.
Chris Mcgrath | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Hezbollah launches missile barrage at Israel to avenge top commander

Kamala-Harris

Full Transcript of Kamala Harris’s Democratic Convention Speech

Discussion about this post

Can sex really stretch out your vagina? Gynecologists set the record straight

Trump Travel Ban Causes Uncertainty for Senegal and Ivory Coast World Cup Fans

Africa 2025–2026: A Continent of Contrasts, Challenges and Hope

Cuba Faces Growing Pressure from the United States After Maduro Capture

AFCON 2025 Teams And Their Nicknames

ETF 2026:  Inside Enugu’s Race to Become Africa’s Tech Mecca

  • The vaginal wall can also stretch if you have sex with men with different-sized penises partners – but this is not permanent say experts (stock image)

    Can sex really stretch out your vagina? Gynecologists set the record straight

    609 shares
    Share 244 Tweet 152
  • Trump Travel Ban Causes Uncertainty for Senegal and Ivory Coast World Cup Fans

    541 shares
    Share 216 Tweet 135
  • Africa 2025–2026: A Continent of Contrasts, Challenges and Hope

    548 shares
    Share 219 Tweet 137
  • Cuba Faces Growing Pressure from the United States After Maduro Capture

    541 shares
    Share 216 Tweet 135
  • AFCON 2025 Teams And Their Nicknames

    545 shares
    Share 218 Tweet 136
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
The vaginal wall can also stretch if you have sex with men with different-sized penises partners – but this is not permanent say experts (stock image)

Can sex really stretch out your vagina? Gynecologists set the record straight

October 29, 2024

Trump Travel Ban Causes Uncertainty for Senegal and Ivory Coast World Cup Fans

January 14, 2026

Africa 2025–2026: A Continent of Contrasts, Challenges and Hope

January 1, 2026
Copyright AP Photo

Cuba Faces Growing Pressure from the United States After Maduro Capture

January 12, 2026

Trump Travel Ban Causes Uncertainty for Senegal and Ivory Coast World Cup Fans

January 14, 2026

Uganda Cuts Internet Ahead of Presidential Election

January 13, 2026

Uganda Gets Ready For General Election

January 13, 2026
Copyright AP Photo

Cuba Faces Growing Pressure from the United States After Maduro Capture

January 12, 2026

ABOUT US

Time Africa Magazine

TIMEAFRICA MAGAZINE is an African Magazine with a culture of excellence; a magazine without peer. Nearly a third of its readers hold advanced degrees and include novelists, … READ MORE >>

SECTIONS

  • Aviation
  • Column
  • Crime
  • Europe
  • Featured
  • Gallery
  • Health
  • Interviews
  • Israel-Hamas
  • Lifestyle
  • Magazine
  • Middle-East
  • News
  • Politics
  • Press Release
  • Russia-Ukraine
  • Science
  • Special Report
  • Sports
  • TV/Radio
  • UAE
  • UK
  • US
  • World News

Useful Links

  • AllAfrica
  • Channel Africa
  • El Khabar
  • The Guardian
  • Cairo Live
  • Le Republicain
  • Magazine: 9771144975608
  • Subscribe to TIMEAFRICA MAGAZINE biweekly news magazine

    Enjoy handpicked stories from around African continent,
    delivered anywhere in the world

    Subscribe

    • About TimeAfrica Magazine
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • WHO’SWHO AWARDS

    © Copyright TimeAfrica Magazine Limited 2026 - All rights reserved.

    No Result
    View All Result
    • WHO’SWHO AWARDS
    • Politics
    • Column
    • Interviews
    • Gallery
    • Lifestyle
    • Special Report
    • Sports
    • TV/Radio
    • Aviation
    • Health
    • Science
    • World News

    © Copyright TimeAfrica Magazine Limited 2026 - All rights reserved.

    This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.