A Chinese manufacturing company, Crown Ceramics Nigeria Limited, has accused the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, of deploying armed police officers to unlawfully seal off its factory and deny directors access to the facility.
In a petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and signed by four of the company’s directors—Zhang Kefeng, Zhang Linshuang, Liu Zhengyu, and Liao Yuzhen—the firm alleged that the police action was carried out in favour of two individuals, Chen Dongfeng and Kong Jun, who are attempting to wrest control of the company.
The company, located along Igbesa Road in Ogun State, stated that on June 11 and 12, 2025, Mr Dongfeng stormed the premises with over 25 heavily armed police officers, forcibly took control of operations, and held staff members hostage for over seven hours.
“The officers restricted access to the premises and created panic among workers, many of whom ran for safety,” the letter claimed.
Crown Ceramics further alleged that Dongfeng and Kong looted company property during the raid, while the police looked on.
“To date, there is no court order restraining us from entering our facility. Yet, we are being denied access by policemen who claim they are acting on the orders of the IGP through the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State,” the directors said.
The directors also recounted a fresh incident that occurred on August 5, when all directors visited the factory in a bid to inspect the premises but were reportedly turned back by officers stationed at the gate.
“When we questioned the officers, they told us bluntly that they were acting on the instructions of the IGP. Shockingly, the Divisional Police Officer of Igbesa, CSP Kazeem, also seized the phone of one of our directors and refused to return it. We have video and photo evidence,” the letter added.
They claimed that their repeated appeals to law enforcement agencies for intervention have been ignored, allowing Dongfeng and Kong to act with impunity.
“The actions of the IGP appear to be aiding these two individuals in unlawfully taking over a company that we legally established and funded. We are foreign investors who have brought in direct capital and created employment opportunities in Nigeria,” the directors lamented.
The company also expressed fears that the continued police occupation of the factory is sending the wrong signal to both local and international investors.
“Nigeria is not a lawless country, and the IGP cannot operate as though he has the authority of a court of law. Only a competent court can issue a restraining order or authorise a property to be sealed—not the IGP,” they said.
Crown Ceramics noted that the factory’s operations have been completely halted, staff salaries unpaid, and government dues left unsettled due to the shutdown.
The company is now calling on President Tinubu to intervene and direct the IGP to vacate the premises and allow the directors unhindered access to their factory.
“Your Excellency, we are passionate about our investment and committed to Nigeria’s growth. We respectfully request your urgent intervention to ensure the rule of law prevails and to stop this abuse of power,” the letter concluded.
