Tension As Nigerian Presidential Jets Are Seized

A French court has authorized the seizure of three jets belonging to Nigeria’s presidential fleet amid a legal dispute involving the Ogun State government and Zhongshan, a Chinese company.

The dispute arose from the Ogun State government’s 2016 decision to terminate Zhongshan’s contract to manage an export processing zone, leading to a $74.5 million compensation award to the Chinese company by an independent arbitral tribunal.

The seized aircraft include a Dassault Falcon 7X stationed at Le Bourget airport in Paris, a Boeing 737, and an Airbus 330 at Basel-Mulhouse airport in Switzerland. These jets, part of Nigeria’s presidential air fleet, are currently under maintenance. Notably, two of the jets had been listed for sale, while the Airbus 330, purchased by Nigeria, had not yet been delivered.

The French court’s order blocks the movement, sale, or purchase of the aircraft until the $74.5 million compensation is paid to Zhongshan. Legal documents have been served for each jet, marking a significant escalation in the dispute. This follows a similar incident where Nigerian-owned properties in Liverpool, England, were seized as part of the same legal battle.

The Nigerian government has not yet responded to the court’s actions.