Aircraft Seizure: AGF Speaks On Sovereign Immunity For Presidential Jets

Amidst the news of ex-parte orders issued by the Judicial Court of Paris on Nigerian presidential aircraft, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has declared that aircraft in the presidential fleet are protected by sovereign immunity and cannot be seized by any entity.

Fagbemi revealed this after three presidential aircraft undergoing routine maintenance in France were seized pursuant to ex-parte orders issued by the Judicial Court of Paris.

……The seizure was allegedly due to a debt owed by the Nigerian government to a Chinese company, Zhongshan Industrial Investment Company Limited.

…….However, Fagbemi stressed that the federal government is exploring both diplomatic and legal means to address the issue, stating that the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney General of the Federation are working together to…..ensure the discharge of the orders against the aircraft.

,,,,,,“While further actions are being put in place to resolve the entire dispute through available legal means, the firm position of the federal government remains that the aircrafts in question….are sovereign assets used solely for sovereign purposes and are therefore immune from attachment as Zhongshan has sought to do,’’ Fagbemi said.

……The minister clarified that the orders were obtained by Zhongshan Industrial Investment Company Limited, which is seeking to enforce an arbitral award…..granted in its favour against the Ogun State government.

Fagbemi’s statement is a clear indication that the federal government will not allow the presidential aircraft to be seized, citing sovereign immunity.

…z,,,,,,,The government is taking steps to resolve the dispute through diplomatic and legal means, and is working to ensure that the aircraft are released from seizure.

The seizure of the presidential aircraft has raised concerns about the implications for Nigeria’s sovereignty and the rule of law.

……However, Fagbemi’s statement has reassured Nigerians that the government is……taking all necessary steps to protect the country’s interests and assets.