A group of Chinese investors and directors of Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited have written a petition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, of aiding what they described as a hostile and illegal takeover of their company by two fellow directors.
In their petition, the directors — Zhang Kefeng, Zhang Linshuang, Liu Zhengyu, and Liao Yuzhen — called on President Tinubu to immediately order the withdrawal of armed police officers allegedly stationed at the company’s factory in Igbesa, Ogun State, stating that the premises had been sealed off without any valid court order.
Alleged Hijack of Business Operations
The investors allege that two of the company’s directors, Chen Dongfeng and Kong Jun, have been making “deliberate and unlawful” efforts to seize control of the company from the majority shareholders.
According to them, “The majority shareholders resisted these efforts, but Chen Dongfeng and Kong Jun have continued to use the Nigeria Police — under the current IGP’s leadership — to intimidate and harass the rest of the board into surrendering control.”
They claim that on June 11 and 12, 2025, Dongfeng led an armed group of more than 25 police officers who forcibly entered the factory, took over operations, and held company staff hostage for over seven hours.
“The heavily armed presence created panic in the area. Workers were held against their will while Chen and Kong allegedly looted company property — all in the full view of police officers,” the petition reads.
Since the incident, police officers have reportedly remained stationed at the entrance of the factory, denying access even to legally recognized directors of the company.
Denied Entry Despite Identification
The directors recount that on August 5, when they attempted to access the factory to inspect the premises and take inventory, police officers at the gate refused to allow them in — despite them presenting valid identification and documentation confirming their directorship.
“The officers bluntly told us they were acting on instructions from the IGP, passed through the Ogun State Commissioner of Police,” the petition stated.
The situation escalated when the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igbesa, identified as CSP Kazeem, allegedly seized the phone of one of the directors during the standoff and refused to return it.
‘No Court Order, No Justification’
The petitioners emphasize that there is no court order restraining them from accessing the factory.
“The IGP is not a court of law. He cannot, under any circumstance, unilaterally seal private property without due process,” the directors said.
They fear the IGP’s actions are sending a troubling message — that law enforcement can be used to settle private disputes or exert personal influence, undermining Nigeria’s investment climate and legal order.
“Our factory remains under siege,” they added, noting that the company is incurring heavy financial losses, is unable to pay staff salaries, and cannot fulfill statutory obligations such as taxes and government dues.
Despite filing complaints with the appropriate authorities, the directors say no action has been taken against the alleged intruding directors, nor has access to the factory been restored.
‘We Are Investors, Not Criminals’
The investors highlighted their contribution to Nigeria’s economy, stressing that their business represents a substantial foreign direct investment aimed at boosting local manufacturing and job creation.
“We believed in Nigeria’s economic promise. We brought in capital, built infrastructure, and created employment. This experience, however, is making us question our decision,” they said.
They warned that the continued police presence and alleged misuse of the Force could severely damage Nigeria’s image as a safe destination for investment.
Appeal to President Tinubu
In conclusion, the directors appealed directly to President Tinubu, urging him to intervene promptly.
“We respectfully request that you direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately remove the armed officers stationed at our premises and allow us to resume operations,” they said.
They reiterated that only a court of competent jurisdiction has the legal authority to seal a private facility — not the IGP or any police officer.
