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Tag: chinese

  • Chinese mining firms deny allegations of illegal activities, terrorism in Nigeria

    Chinese mining firms deny allegations of illegal activities, terrorism in Nigeria

    Chinese mining companies operating in Nigeria have denied recent claims linking them to illegal activities and terrorism financing in the country.

    Speaking through the Federation of Chinese Mining Companies in Nigeria, the firms dismissed allegations made in a December 11, 2025 report by the Renevlyn Development Initiative titled Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector. 

    The report had accused some Chinese nationals of engaging in illegal mining, environmental degradation, economic sabotage, and funding terrorism.

    The federation described the claims as unfounded, distancing its members from any involvement in such activities.

    The statement reads, “The Federation has recently noted the recirculation by certain media outlets of a report alleging the so-called “Chinese infiltration” of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector. The report claims that some Chinese nationals in Nigeria are engaged in illegal mining activities, seizing critical mineral resources, hindering the country’s economic and social development, damaging the local ecological environment, and even fueling terrorist activities. It also calls on relevant Nigerian authorities to strengthen governance in the mining sector.

    “The Federation hereby solemnly states that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have always strictly complied with Nigeria’s laws and regulations, in accordance with the guidance of the Chinese government. While conducting business in compliance with the law, these companies actively cooperate with Nigerian government departments to strengthen mining governance. 

    “They have also responded proactively to Nigeria’s need for industrial transformation and upgrading in the mining sector by making investments, building local factories and hiring Nigerian workers, measures that have not only boosted local employment but also enabled Nigeria to retain greater added value, turning resource endowments into tangible development dividends. By giving back to local communities, fulfilling social responsibilities, and protecting the natural environment, these companies have made positive contributions to deepening China-Nigeria mining cooperation.

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    “The allegations that Chinese companies are fueling terrorism in Nigeria are completely unfounded. It must be emphasized that Chinese mining companies in Nigeria have themselves been victims of terrorist activities. They have always supported and remain willing to cooperate with the Nigerian government in safeguarding national security, with the shared aim of operating and living in a secure and stable environment.

    “The Federation hopes that the media and friends from all sectors in Nigeria will view and report on the cooperation and operations of Chinese mining companies in an objective and fair manner, and will not allow themselves to be used by those with ill motives to spread false information and undermine the cooperation and friendship between our two countries. 

    “The Federation stands ready to work with the Nigerian government and all sectors of society to further deepen mining cooperation, support Nigeria’s economic and social development, and deliver greater benefits to our two peoples.”

  • Chinese firm unveils agric product in Kano

    Chinese firm unveils agric product in Kano

    A Chinese agricultural investment firm, Smartisan Investment Nigeria Limited, has introduced a new spraying technology aimed at boosting crop yield and reducing production costs for farmers.

    Speaking during a demonstration in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, the company’s representative, Charles Lee, said the technology—popularly referred to as agricultural spraying drums—has the capacity to replace the tedious traditional method of applying fertilizer and other chemicals manually.

    Lee, who has lived in Nigeria for 16 years, said the new device can perform the work of about 40 farmhands in a single day, making it possible to complete large-scale spraying within hours.

    According to him, the inefficiency of manual spraying often results in significant losses during pest outbreaks, as many farmers are unable to cover their farmlands within the critical period of two to three days.

    “With this machine, a farmer can finish spraying 10 hectares in one day. When pests arrive, you don’t have time to waste because the damage can reach 50 percent. This technology ensures quick response,” he said.

  • How Chinese national allegedly defrauded his employer

    How Chinese national allegedly defrauded his employer

    An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday heard how  Chinese national, Zhengjia Jin, allegedly defrauded his employer, Golden Diamond Industrial Manufacturing Company Limited, of several hundreds of millions of naira through kickbacks, inflated invoices, and diversion of company funds.

    A prosecution witness and operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bukar Mustapha Kirri,  narrated the alleged fraud before Justice Rahman Oshodi.

    Kirri, an Assistant Superintendent with the Commission and the sixth prosecution witness (PW6) while being led in evidence by the EFCC counsel Chioma Chineye, told the court that the EFCC received a petition dated August 12, 2024, from one Frank Inibie, who wrote on behalf of Golden Diamond, accusing the defendant and another staff member of monumental fraud within the company amounting to over N700 million.

    According to him, the petitioners alleged that the first defendant colluded with vendors to divert payments meant for the company into his personal and third-party accounts. Acting on the petition, the Commission invited the complainants, while the defendant and other implicated staff were handed over for investigation.

    “Upon receipt of the petition, we commenced investigation and wrote a letter of investigation activity to Access Bank requesting the defendant’s account details,” Kirri said.

    The witness said the analysis of the account from July to August 12, 2024, showed a turnover of N466 million.

    He said they discovered that most of the inflows came from vendors dealing with Golden Diamond.”

    He further told the court that letters were sent to the depositors’ banks, and several vendors were invited for questioning.

    “When they came, we asked why they sent such monies with narrations like kickbacks and cash back. They explained that the defendant demanded these payments in exchange for business patronage,” Kirri testified.

    The EFCC operative mentioned one Abdul Wahab, who paid over N56 million into the defendant’s Access Bank account, indicating that the payments were kickbacks.

    “He said the defendant threatened to disengage his company if he refused to comply,” Kirri added.

    The witness added that another vendor, GTC Global, also confirmed to the EFCC that payments made to Jin were kickbacks.

    “Further investigations revealed that the defendant used part of the proceeds for personal and third-party transactions. “We traced about N24 million transferred to a company known as Linda-African Pride, and N2 million sent to one Hassan Oladimeji, allegedly to help the defendant track a man named Abubakar Adamu, who had absconded with N39 million belonging to him,” Kirri said.

    The witness also revealed that some vendors were instructed by the defendant to pay directly to Adamu on his orders. “he noted.

    Kirri added that documents submitted by the petitioners included fake invoices and corporate filings later confirmed by the Corporate Affairs Commission to belong to non-existent companies. Some of the third-party accounts linked to the transactions, he said, belonged to Jin’s girlfriend and another associate, Emmanuel Ubu, both of whom are still at large alongside Adamu.

    Meanwhile, the defence counsel , Chief Emefo Etudo objected to the admissibility of certain documents tendered by the prosecution, arguing that there were “mitigations” that allegedly corrupted the entire bundle of evidence sought  to be admitted into evidence by the prosecuting counsel.

    In his ruling, Justice Rahman Oshodi overruled the objection, noting that the second leg of the defence’s argument was also admitted in evidence.

    The judge then ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness and authenticity of the defendant’s extra-judicial statement, as raised in the objection by the defence counsel.

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    Earlier in the proceedings, a businessman, Yomibi Shofolahan, who identified to be doing business with Golden Diamond, also testified before the court.

    Shofolahan told Justice Oshodi that he was introduced to the defendant as the new procurement officer of the company and that all his business dealings were handled through Jin.

    He recounted how payment delays became frequent during Jin’s tenure, forcing vendors to protest at the company’s premises.

    He said: “Under the company’s policy, payments are to be made two weeks after delivery. However, at a point, we waited up to five months. We then renegotiated prices per ton for late payments instead of ₦12,500. But when the defendant eventually raised our payment schedule, it was incomplete.”

    Shofolahan said he confronted Jin, who claimed he would pay the remaining balance personally.

    “He later paid the balance from his personal account,” the witness added.

    However, according to Shofolahan, Jin soon demanded that he pay him a “kickback” from the transaction.

    “He contacted me via WhatsApp, threatening to send security operatives against me if I refused,” he told the court.

    “On June 27, 2024, he even sent a picture of a soldier attached to the company with a message asking if I would transfer the money or not.”

    The businessman stated that he had worked with three procurement officers before Jin and none had ever demanded kickbacks.

    Under cross-examination by Chief Etudo, the defence counsel, he explained that kickbacks were synonymous with bribes. He further noted that although the company sometimes owed vendors for months, all legitimate payments were made strictly for goods supplied based on invoices.

    The Chinese national, Zhengjia Jin, was arraigned by the EFCC on three count charges bordering on retention of stolen property, acceptance of kickbacks, bribery in the private sector, and stealing, contrary to the relevant sections of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and 2015.

    According to the charge sheet, Jin, while employed by Golden Diamond Industrial Manufacturing Company Limited, dishonestly retained and accepted into his Access Bank account the sum of ₦301 million, alleged to be proceeds of kickbacks from vendors between March 5 and August 9, 2024, thereby acting contrary to his company’s conditions of service.

    The prosecution has so far called six witnesses in the matter.

    The matter has been adjourned till November 11,2025 for trail within trial.

  • Blackout: We paid the Chinese N2bn, says Ossiomo Power

    Blackout: We paid the Chinese N2bn, says Ossiomo Power

    The management of the Ossiomo Power has invited Pakistani Engineers to help it install new turbines for power generation and distribution to its customers.

    Its Chinese partners, the Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company (CCETC), on September 1st, shut down its operations, plunging parts of Benin City into darkness.

    Ossiomo Power used to generate 95MW of electricity, which powered Edo Government facilities, privates businesses and streetlights. 

    The Chinese had alleged that Ossiomo Power violated its joint venture agreement in remittances of money realised from customers but the Ossiomo Power said the Chinese were not co-owners but contractors. 

    Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Benin City, representative of Ossiomo Power, Engr. Festus Evbuomwan,, said the firm has begun generating power by engaging Pakistani Engineers.

    Evbuomwan said the firm would achieve full capacity within 10 days.

    He appealed to customers on the 11KVA provided by the state government would not get electricity.

    Evbuomwan said the Chinese firm has received over N2bn and later made a move to sideline them.

    According to him: “We are not aware of the $20m investment the Chinese is claiming they spent. When they generate power, we sell and pay them.”

    “The Chinese partner, having seen how lucrative the business is, went to some quarter and raised some issues probably thinking they they can manoeuvre us with the help of some big persons, so that they can use their machines to generate power and sideline us but this is not possible.”

    Read Also: Blackout: Why Chinese partners shut down Ossiomo Power

    “The Chinese partner also claimed that they borrowed $20m from their native land to invest, we are not aware of such investment, and we do not know where the money was invested up till now.

    “They have been also saying they have not been receiving anything, but I want to tell you unequivocally that first, the partners run a joint account where their investment is going into. More so, The Chinese partners have received over ₦2bn so far for the power they generate with their machines. When they generate the power, we sell and pay them.

    “We have purchased turbines, and one has started working. They are working on the second one, so, by the time our five turbines start working we will be in full capacity. Even with that, those connected to the government may not be reached immediately. 

    “This is because the government bought the poles and contracted the wiring, and we cannot force the government to do our bid. Also, we are making efforts to site 33kva along Airport Road and Lagos Road as soon as possible.”

  • Lagos, Chinese envoys, experts seek deeper ties between Nigeria, China in key sectors

    Lagos, Chinese envoys, experts seek deeper ties between Nigeria, China in key sectors

    The Lagos State Government, Chinese diplomats, university professors, business operators from Nigeria and China have canvassed the need for the two the countries to keep working together to deepen infrastructure cooperation in key sectors such as transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

    The call was made at the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, titled: Jointly Exploring New Paths for China-Nigeria and China-Africa Cooperation organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Chinese Consulate in Lagos, African-China Economic Magazine and Institute of African Studies, Jinhua, China.

    At the well-attended event, those who spoke included the Lagos State, Commissioner for Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Ms. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, NIIA Director General Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos Ms. Yan Yuqing, and Director of Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University (IASZNU), Prof. Liu Hongwu.

    Others Professor of International Economics Relations/China-Africa Studies and Director of Studies, NIIA  Prof. Efem Ubi, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce Dr. Chinyere Almona, General Manager of China Harbour Lekki Deep Sea Port Company, Mr. Wang Qiang, Editor-in-Chief of the Africa-China Economy MagazineMr. Ikenna Emewu, importers among others.

    The consul-general declared that China is ready to continue working together with Nigeria to deepen infrastructure cooperation in major sectors such as transportation, energy, and telecommunications.

    She said China is “taking projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, and the Lekki Deepsea Port and so on, as typical examples of our shared success, committed to advancing more flagship projects to take root and deliver tangible results.

    “So, the fruits of China-Nigeria practical cooperation will better benefit more and more people and contribute to the stability and prosperity in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.”

    The envoy added: “China remains committed to high-level opening-up and to creating a more open, fair, and inclusive economic and trade environment, and encourages two-way investment, trade cooperation, and industrial synergy. More Chinese enterprises are encouraged to invest and start businesses in Nigeria, and to push forward the construction of industrial parks, on the successful examples of the Lekki Free Trade Zone, Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, and so on.

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    “China will continue to expand market access for Nigerian products, improve visa policies, and make full use of major platforms such as the Canton Trade Fair and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to inject new momentum into both countries’ economic growth.”

    In his welcome address, Prof. Osaghae said since the inaugural conference, which took place in March 2024, the forum has fostered strong bilateral relations, resulting in numerous Memoranda of Understanding between the two governments and elevating their partnership to a more “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.”

    He argued that the deepening in ties have highlighted the effectiveness of the two countries’ collaboration.

    “In this dynamic environment, enhancing bilateral engagement is key to strengthening alliances and fostering shared interests. Therefore, Nigeria’s partnership with China, anchored in the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), presents an opportunity to reimagine collaboration to align more closely with our development objectives, strategic priorities, and vision for a shared future,” he said.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Cooperatives, Trade and Investment said the event presented not merely a dialogue but a unique convergence of opportunities to fortify economic, cultural, and technological exchanges between Lagos State, Nigeria, and China.

    She said Lagos State is tackling energy crisis and availability of finance, adding that it has become Africa’s second largest economy, surpassing the economies of nations such as Ghana and Cameroon and home to more than 25 million vibrant residents.

    The commissioner added that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has embarked on transformative projects with global best practices which have propelled Lagos into infrastructural and economic prominence.

  • Nigerian, two Chinese charged with $3.4b fraud

    Nigerian, two Chinese charged with $3.4b fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday sued a Nigerian, two Chinese, and their company before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged $3.4 billion fraud and conspiracy to destabilise the economy.

    The defendants are Huang Haoyu, Friday Audu, An Hongxu and a company Genting International Limited.

    They are standing trial before Justice Daniel Osiagor on a 12-count charge of cybercrime.

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    They, however, pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecutor, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari, told the court that the defendants committed the offence sometime last year in Lagos.

    They were alleged to have conspired to commit the offence with one Dualiang Pan, now at large, to have cause to be assessed, computers, organised to destabilise the country’s economic structure.

    The defendants were alleged to have engaged Nigerians, to represent themselves as foreigners; Chukwuemeka Okeke, to retain   $1.2 million in his crypto wallet, which they ought to know forms part of fraud; engaged one Alhassan Garba and Ifesinaci Jacobs, to retain $1.3 million in their crypto wallet, being proceeds of crime.

  • Alleged N1b fraud: Court orders lawyer to produce Chinese

    Alleged N1b fraud: Court orders lawyer to produce Chinese

    Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered a lawyer, Charles Adeyoriju, to produce his Chinese client, Mr. Su Donghai, in court on May 22 for arraignment over alleged N1 billion fraud.

    Donghai was charged along with Stanley Tochukwu Okafor, Ogunade Oluwaseun, WNW Energy Technical Development Limited and HAOTI International Limited by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (Force CID), Ikoyi.

    They were charged with 11 counts of conspiracy, forgery, obtaining by false pretence and fraud.

    The judge had adjourned till yesterday for the defendants’ arraignment.

    Prosecuting counsel S. A. Ogalla and a lawyer from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Tolulope Moloku, announced their appearance for the prosecution.

    While other defendants were in court, Donghai was absent.

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    Asked by the judge about his client, Adeyoriju said Donghai was in China.

    The lawyer had opposed the adjournment because the arraignment had been stalled on four occasions by the prosecution.

    But the judge told Adeyoriju that since his client had not been present for arraignment, it was the Chinese who was stalling the arraignment.

    Ogalla urged the court to either issue a bench warrant against Donghai to compel his attendance or order Adeyoriju to produce him for arraignment.

    Justice Aluko ordered Adeyoriju to produce his client for arraignment and adjourned till May 22.

    The Force CID said the defendants fraudulently obtained N1 billion belonging to CNOTS Energy Services Limited, represented by Femi Folayan.

    The defendants were alleged to have forged 89 invoices to fraudulently defraud CNOTS Energy Services Energy Limited.

    The first defendant, Stanley Tochukwu Okafor, was accused of falsely deposing to an affidavit on Oath on February 13, last year, at the Lagos State High Court Registry, Lagos, wherein he attached 29 invoice receipts of WNW Energy Technical Development Company Limited.

  • Chinese reject interpreter, case adjourned

    Chinese reject interpreter, case adjourned

    A Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday adjourned the trial of Chinese nationals arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged cybercrimes.

    Justice Ayokunle Faji adjourned till March 4 and 5 to get a preferred interpreter after the defendants rejected the one the court got for them.

    The defendants are: Zhao Ying Bin, Yuzi (aka Wei Xuehuan), Zhang Yang, Weng Zhi Cheng and Genting International Co. Limited.

    Prosecution counsel Hannatu Kofanaisa sought to proceed with the trial.

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    But defence counsel, N. Abraham, urged the court to adjourn in compliance with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which provides that every defendant must be given adequate facilities to defend himself.

    The EFCC said the defendants “willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria”.

    It said they also employed Nigerian youths for identity theft with the intent to gain financial advantage.

    The offence is punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act, 2015. (Amended, 2024).

  • EFCC secures interim forfeiture of $222,729.86 in digital assets tied to Chinese, Filipino alleged fraudsters

    EFCC secures interim forfeiture of $222,729.86 in digital assets tied to Chinese, Filipino alleged fraudsters

    …arraigns 57 foreign nationals 

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday secured an interim forfeiture order for digital assets valued at $222,729.86, over fraudulent activities allegedly linked to Chinese, and Filipino nationals.

    Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted the interim forfeiture order following a motion ex-parte moved by Zeenat Atiku, a prosecuting counsel with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    The motion was brought pursuant to Section 44 (2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 17 of the Advanced Free Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act No. 14, 2016.

    The court also directed the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper, allowing anyone with an interest in the assets to appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The order reads, “An interim forfeiture order of this Honourable Court forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria digital assets listed in the schedule hereunder, which proceeds were traced and reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.”

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    In a 7-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Owolabi Taiwo, an EFCC investigating officer, the Commission had received intelligence about a large-scale fraud involving foreign nationals operating in Lagos. 

    He said a subsequent sting operation led to the arrest of 792 suspected cybercriminals and the seizure of approximately 1,000 routers, SIM cards, computers, and mobile phones.

    According to the deponent further investigation revealed that these suspects were part of a syndicate engaged in cryptocurrency investment fraud and dating scams. 

    He stated that the syndicate financed its operations through Genting International Co. Limited (GICL), a Nigerian-registered company. 

    He stated that the company’s Union Bank account received over N2.26 billion from April to December 2024.

    He added “Bank statements showed that the primary inflows into the account came from cryptocurrency vendors Chukwuemeka Okeke (CO) and Alhassan Aminu Garba (AA), who provided statements under caution. They reported receiving a total of $2.39 million in USDT from the syndicate through peer-to-peer trading. Further blockchain analysis traced these funds to wallet addresses linked to fraudulent schemes, including Conti.vip.

    “The investigation also revealed that GICL, established by foreign nationals, was used to launder the proceeds of fraudulent activities. These individuals, operating without valid work permits, are violating Nigerian laws”.

    Justice Owoeye has adjourned the case to March 7, 2025, for a report on compliance.

    Meanwhile, the EFCC yesterday arraigned 58 foreign nationals comprising of Chinese and Filipino nationals before the federal high court in Lagos on charges of alleged impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

    They were separately arraigned before Justice Ayokunle Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Denide Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye respectively.

    Some of the defendants who were arraigned before four separate courts are Cherry De Leon (A.K.A Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (A.K.A Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (A.K.A Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (A.K.A Jam Galanza) and Hannah Jaramillo (A.K.A Max De Leon).

    Others Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (a.k.a Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (a.k.a Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, Shi Yang Xiong, Lu Yi Liang, Guo Giang (a.k.a Lisa), Wen Zong Xu, Pan Cai Yu, and Guo Zhi Yong.

    Other defendants are Danica Manulit (A.K.A. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (A.K.A. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (A.K.A. Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (Alias T. J. Castro).

    The defendants were among a group of suspected fraudsters apprehended on December 10, 2024, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at their hideout on No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC.

    They were arraigned by EFCC team of prosecutors comprising of Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, Suleiman Ismail Suleiman, Chineye Chisara Okezie, Hannatu Kofarnaisa, N. K . Ukoha, T. J .Banjo, and M. S. Owede.

    They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence and identity theft, among others.

    The defendants were accused of secretly procured and employed several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud.

    The offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

    After the charges were read to each defendant individually, they all pleaded not guilty.

    Following their not guilty plea, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Nigeria Correctional Centres.  

    The females defendants were remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while their male counterparts were remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

    EFCC told the court that on or about December 18, 2024 in Lagos, the defendants, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when they procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves (Nigerians) out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves (The defendants ).

    The Commission also told the court that sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, the defendants willfully gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of investigation when they were being questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate group, specialized in Romance scam, crypto currency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others.

    According to EFCC, the offence committed is contrary to Section18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended,2024), 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.

    The different cases have been adjourned till February 20, 21, 24, 28, March 18, 2025, for trial.

  • Celebrating the Chinese spring festival in Lagos

    Celebrating the Chinese spring festival in Lagos

    Last weekend, Lagos hosted a vibrant celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival, uniting: the Chinese community, Nigerians and international guests in a joyous display of culture and unity. The event, themed “One World, One Spring, Hauxing Shines,” blended Chinese and Nigerian traditions through music, dance, food, and performances. This celebration highlighted not only the cultural richness of both nations but also the strengthening of Sino-Nigerian ties, fostering goodwill and mutual understanding, Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF reports

    The celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is not just a cultural extravaganza for the Chinese community but a significant global occasion that invites people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate unity, prosperity and friendship. On January 26 in Lagos, this time-honoured festival was celebrated in grand style, with the Chinese community, Nigerians, and other international attendees uniting to honour this important cultural milestone. The event, marked by a mixture of tradition and modernity, showcased how vibrant cultural exchange can foster deeper understanding and stronger ties between nations.

    Held with the theme “One World, One Spring, Hauxing Shines,” the festival’s festivities brought to life a beautiful fusion of Chinese and Nigerian cultures. This theme underscored the spirit of the Spring Festival as a global celebration, one that transcends national borders and brings together diverse cultures to celebrate shared values of renewal, hope, and harmony. As guests streamed into the venue, they were greeted by a rich display of cultural dance, music, and food, a testament to the harmonious blending of the two nations’ traditions.

    The Chinese New Year is a time of reflection, marking the transition from one year to the next, with the promise of bringing luck, prosperity, and good fortune. The festival was not just a celebration but a powerful statement about the strength of Sino-Nigerian relations. The joyful gathering was filled with symbolism, as Chinese dragon dances and performances from the Hauxing Kung Fu group created an electrifying atmosphere, representing the strength and vitality of both cultures.

    The celebration featured a variety of performances, with the Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture delivering an unforgettable show. The traditional Nigerian troupe infused modern flair into their vibrant costumes and rhythmic beats, captivating the audience with a mix of age-old Nigerian dances alongside contemporary adaptations. Their performances highlighted the country’s diverse ethnic cultures, showcasing the rich heritage of Nigeria. In parallel, the Hauxing Art Troupe, known for its impressive martial arts demonstrations, enthralled the guests with their snake dance and Kung Fu performances. The snake, a revered symbol in Chinese culture, represents longevity, good fortune, and wisdom, making it a fitting motif for the New Year celebrations. These performances not only delighted the audience but served as an artistic bridge between the Chinese and Nigerian cultures, each respecting and honouring the other’s traditions through shared performance art.

    The day’s entertainment offerings were further elevated by the blend of culinary delights from both countries. Guests had the chance to sample Nigerian dishes like Eba, Egusi soup, Okra soup, and more, alongside popular Chinese delicacies such as sweet and sour pork, Kung Pao chicken, Chinese dumplings, and dim sum. This food festival was a beautiful manifestation of the interconnectedness between the two cultures, where food, like art, transcends borders to bring people together.

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    The importance of the Chinese Spring Festival extends far beyond its cultural celebrations. According to Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, the Spring Festival has become a globally recognised celebration, one that fosters mutual understanding and trust between nations. In 2024, UNESCO officially added the Spring Festival to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, acknowledging the global significance of this event and its role in promoting cultural exchange. Yuqing emphasised that while the festival is inherently Chinese, it has gradually evolved into a worldwide celebration, with its core values of family, unity, and prosperity resonating across diverse cultures. The Spring Festival, she stated, acts as a “cultural bank,” a repository of shared values and mutual respect between nations. By celebrating this festival, Nigeria and China reinforce their longstanding friendship and cooperation, showcasing the positive outcomes of their diplomatic and cultural ties.

    Beyond the cultural festivities, the Chinese community in Lagos demonstrated the spirit of giving, aligning with the broader values of charity and goodwill that define the Chinese New Year celebrations. Dr. Eric Ni, Chairman of the Chinese Industrial and Commercial Enterprise Association and Chairman of the Hauxing Art Troupe, outlined the community’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable Nigerians. As part of the Spring Festival celebrations, the Chinese community launched the “Together Fight Against Hunger” charity project, which aims to support low-income Nigerian families. Dr. Ni announced that the initiative would provide financial assistance and foodstuffs to at least 30 Nigerian families, with each family receiving N100,000 and essential food supplies. This charitable gesture is a reflection of the Chinese community’s ongoing commitment to giving back to their Nigerian host country, offering support in areas like healthcare, education, and food security.

    The Chinese community’s philanthropic efforts are not new. Over the years, various charitable projects, including educational scholarships, cataract surgeries, and donations to orphanages, have been part of their broader commitment to Nigeria. These projects speak to the Chinese community’s belief in the power of collaboration to help those in need, making a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians, especially during challenging times.

    A shining example of international cooperation

    The event also highlighted the remarkable collaboration between Nigeria and China, with both countries working together to create shared prosperity. Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, took the opportunity to applaud the mutual achievements that have come from the strong partnership between the two nations. Salu-Hundeyin noted that the fruitful relationship between China and Lagos State has spurred significant developments, particularly in the fields of infrastructure and industrialisation.

    She pointed to landmark projects like the Lekki Free Trade Zone, which has become a beacon of Chinese investment and collaboration, driving industrial growth, job creation, and economic progress in Lagos. Additionally, the Lagos Blue and Red Rail Mass Transit lines, developed with Chinese expertise and investment, are transforming the city’s transportation infrastructure, enhancing mobility, and boosting the local economy. Salu-Hundeyin’s remarks reinforced the idea that the friendship between Nigeria and China is more than just ceremonial—it has tangible, real-world implications for both nations, from economic cooperation to technological exchange. The Spring Festival, in this context, becomes a powerful symbol of the long-standing partnership that continues to thrive, bringing benefits to both nations and fostering continued growth and progress.

    As the celebration drew to a close, Zhang Yi, Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, expressed optimism about the future of Nigeria-China relations. He extended wishes for continued prosperity and success as both countries look forward to the Year of the Snake. In Chinese culture, the snake symbolises longevity, good fortune, and wisdom—attributes that Zhang Yi hoped would define the ongoing relationship between Nigeria and China.

    This sentiment was echoed by Jaafaru Yakubu, a member of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations. Yakubu reiterated that China’s support for Nigeria has been instrumental in the country’s economic development. From infrastructure projects to technological investments, China has played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic trajectory. Moving forward, both countries have expressed their desire to build on this momentum, focusing on deeper collaboration in sectors such as education, healthcare, and sustainable development.

    The 2025 Chinese Spring Festival in Lagos was a powerful celebration of unity, culture, and cooperation between Nigeria and China. Through lively performances, delicious food, and meaningful discussions on charity and social responsibility, the event highlighted the growing bond between these two nations. The celebrations were a reflection of the broader themes of the Chinese New Year—renewal, hope, and prosperity—and served as a reminder of the transformative power of cultural exchange. As Nigeria and China continue to deepen their ties, the celebration of the Chinese Spring Festival serves as a symbol of the shared values of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect. Through collaboration and cultural dialogue, both nations are creating a future of prosperity, understanding, and global harmony. The unity displayed during this festival is just one chapter in a long and fruitful relationship, one that holds great promise for the future.