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Police repatriate Chinese fugitive over tax fraud
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has apprehended and repatriated a Chinese fugitive, Mr. Chen Gaochong, to the People’s Republic of China who was involved in a tax fraud case.
The arrest was in close collaboration with Chinese Police authorities and in accordance with international law enforcement protocols.
Police said the operation marks a significant milestone in transnational police cooperation and the global fight against financial crime.
A statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi; “Mr. Chen Gaochong, a male national of China, was declared wanted by the Peixian Public Security Bureau of Jiangsu Province for offences involving tax fraud, specifically the unlawful issuance of special Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totalling RMB 4,974,400.
“The investigation, initiated by Chinese authorities on 5th March 2020, revealed that between May and August 2017, the suspect fraudulently issued 45 VAT invoices for fictitious transactions under the guise of legitimate business activities. These invoices were issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Co., Ltd., using the names of two other companies, Linhai Guangyong Plastic Products Co., Ltd. and Linhai Beilaisi Plastic Products Co., Ltd., without their consent or involvement.
“Following the discovery of his criminal activities, Chen Gaochong fled Mainland China on 16th November 2019 through the Shenzhen Bay port to Hong Kong, and later escaped to Burkina Faso before illegally entering Nigeria in 2021. He deliberately avoided renewing his international passport in an attempt to conceal his identity and evade arrest. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued by the Peixian Public Security Bureau on 9th July 2020 for his detention on suspicion of tax-related offences.
“Upon receipt of a formal request for assistance from Chinese authorities, INTERPOL NCB Abuja commenced covert intelligence operations, leading to the successful tracing and arrest of the fugitive in Lagos on Tuesday, 24th June 2025. In the spirit of international law enforcement cooperation and mutual legal assistance, Mr. Chen Gaochong was repatriated and formally handed over to Chinese authorities on Thursday, 3rd July 2025.
“The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, reaffirms its dedication to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a haven for criminals fleeing justice. The Force remains committed to upholding global standards in transnational crime prevention and will continue to strengthen its collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to combat crime and criminality”.
The Nigerian Army has trained 925 forest guards from Borno State in basic military skills to support troops fighting terrorism and insurgency within the state.
The personnel underwent a two-week theatre acclimatisation programme at the North-East Theatre Training School, Buni Yadi, Yobe State.
The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, disclosed this on Sunday at the graduation ceremony of the trainees.
He said the training was designed to prepare the forest guards to operate alongside military personnel, stressing that it was not intended to turn them into full soldiers.
He said the trainees were trained in weapon stripping and assembly, aiming and firing, ambush tactics and cordon-and-search operations.
The training also covered Improvised Explosive Device awareness, handling of suspected terrorists, unarmed combat, self-defence and operations in difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Ajose said the exercise culminated in battle inoculation, a simulation designed to expose the trainees to realistic battle sounds and conditions and reduce fear and panic during actual operations.
He charged the forest guards to remain disciplined, professional and decisive while carrying out their duties and warned them against harassing civilians or engaging in rivalry with other security agencies.
Representing Governor Babagana Zulum, the Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, said the 925 trainees were drawn from the 27 local government areas of the state and would be handed over to the Theatre Command for deployment to areas of critical need.
Tar said their knowledge of the local terrain, languages and culture would enhance the effectiveness of troops and make them useful force multipliers in ongoing operations.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who died on Sunday at the age of 77.
He extended his condolences to the Idris family, the Kogi State Government and people, as well as the deceased’s friends, associates and political colleagues.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Idris’ death as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria.
The President described Idris’ death as a significant loss to Kogi State and Nigeria, noting that the former Governor devoted a substantial part of his life to public service and the development of his state.
President Tinubu acknowledged the late former governor’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and his many years of engagement in public affairs.
The President said: “Alhaji Ibrahim Idris was a committed public servant whose years in office formed an important chapter in the political and developmental history of Kogi State.
“His passing is a painful loss to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria. At this difficult moment, we must remember and honour his contributions to the growth of his state and our nation.
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