Row Over The Shooting Of Immigration Officer At Chinese Firm Takes A New Twist As Minister Recants

By Bukar BOLORI

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has recanted over his earlier reported stand on the alleged shooting of an immigration officer on the order of a Chinese national at a Chinese firm in Niger State.

The minister was reported to have at a stakeholders sensitisation workshop on the implementation of the Nigeria Visa policy 2025, declared that Nigerian government will take up the matter of the shooting as a diplomatic issue.

He said the development alone is an attack on Nigeria.

“It will never happen. It will never be tolerated.”

He had told the gathering that the Immigration officer, who was on official duty, had visited the Chinese company to check the list of the company’s expatriates, but the owner of the company ordered a security officer in the premises to shoot the government official.

Tunji-Ojo said: “I won’t go to China as a Nigerian, open a company and tell my security to shoot a government official in uniform. It’s never done anywhere in the world.

“These officers put their lives on the line. These officers serve this country with their all. And you will not come from anywhere and ask them to shoot them in their fatherland.It will no longer happen. We will take it up with you. Because that company, we (Nigerian government) have the power to withdraw their business permit Nigeria and declare them illegal.

”But in a latest twist, the minister in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Alao Babatunde said the matter was not as reported as the case was ongoing.

The statement read: “The attention of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Dr Tunji-Ojo, has been drawn to media reports suggesting that the Hon. Minister issued a conclusive statement regarding an alleged shooting incident involving a Nigerian immigration officer and a Chinese-owned company operating in Niger State.

“Although preliminary investigation suggests that the officer was hit by a stray bullet, it is important to clarify that the Hon. Minister’s remarks were made in the context of expressing deep concern over the seriousness of the allegations brought to his attention.

“His comments were intended to underscore the sanctity of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the protection of uniformed officers serving the nation.

“The matter is still under thorough investigation by security agencies, as such, any assertions made are not to be construed as a final report or judgment on the incident.

“The Hon. Minister remains committed to upholding due process, and he has full confidence in the investigative mechanisms in place to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability where necessary.

“Furthermore, it is important to note that the reference to the nationality of the company was based on preliminary information and does not represent an indictment. The Ministry is working closely with all stakeholders in the investigation.

“The Hon. Minister reaffirms his unwavering commitment to the safety, dignity, and professional integrity of all law enforcement officers. Government remains committed in its support for all law-abiding businesses operating within Nigeria.

“The Minister reiterates the determination of the government to fostering mutual relationships and partnerships with nationals of other countries, especially with the goal of building a strong socioeconomic growth within the Nigerian space.”

Before the latest intervention by the minister, the Chinese business community in the country has denied the allegation that the shooting of the immigration officer at the Chinese firm was at the instruction of a Chinese national.

The Director General, China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Dr. Cui Guangzhen in a statement said the shooting could never have been ordered by a Chinese.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the reports that Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior condemned the shooting of an immigration officer allegedly on the orders of a Chinese company operating in Nigeria in a briefing on March 27.

“The China General Chamber of Commerce attaches great importance to the reports and carried out an immediate investigation.Based upon the findings of police authority in Niger State, the incident mentioned by the Minister of Interior happened on the 21st of February, 2025 in Minna, Niger State.

“During a police action, the state police force was trying to effect an arrest of some local citizen who was suspected of stealing iron rods from a Chinese company. When encountering stiff resistance of the suspect, one of the police officers fired a shot and the bullet accidentally hit a passerby who was later identified to be an immigration officer.

“China General Chamber of Commerce would like to clearly state the following:

“Neither Chinese citizens nor Chinese companies were involved in the incident. The allegation that a Chinese company employee ordered the shooting of a Nigerian immigration officer is utterly false.The Chinese companies in Nigeria abide by the laws and regulations of Nigeria and are committed to the economic and social development of Nigeria.

“The China General Chamber of Commerce is saddened by the incident and sincerely wishes the injured a quick recovery.”