Immigration: Five Chinese Nationals Released after Alleged Lobbying by Retired DCG

A major controversy has erupted, following the release of five Chinese nationals detained for violating Immigration rules.

The detainees were arrested on August 12, 2025, during a joint sting operation conducted by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

They were held at the NIS headquarters in Sauka along Airport Road, Abuja.

The five individuals—Zhang Damou (46), Qian Jin (48), Tang Pan (41), Lin Jianfeng (52), and Guo Zhengheng (40)—were accused of violating the Immigration Act: Quota trafficking (Section 38).

Zhang Damou worked at Royal Castle Ceramics as Sales Manager without proper quota approval. (Sahara Reporters)Visa misuse (Section 56):

The others either held Temporary Work Permits (TWPs) or Business Visas but performed roles beyond their permitted scope, including full-time managerial and interpretative duties. (Sahara Reporters).

The arrests exposed extensive compliance failures at Nigeria Royal Castle Ceramic Company Limited in Sagamu, Ogun State, including: Operating without a business permit or establishment quota, relying on expatriates from other firms illegally, failure to submit mandatory monthly reports to NIS, tax avoidance and labor violations, including unsafe working conditions and sub-minimum wages. (Sahara Reporters).

With alleged Intervention by a retired DCG Immigration, despite the serious nature of the violations, all the five detainees were released under murky circumstances.

Sources alleged that a retired Deputy Comptroller General (DCG)—identified in some quarters used his influence behind the scenes to secure their quiet release.

This has prompted accusations of insider protection and elite interference. (Sahara Reporters).

A source warned:“Such interference emboldens illegal operators and demoralizes officers who risk their safety to enforce the law.” (Sahara Reporters).

Public and Internal BacklashOnline forums have seen a surge of criticisms, lambasting both the Immigration enforcement failures and the apparent influence at play: “Money must have changed hands.” — bobbiiee (Nairaland). “This is clearly a shake‑down … the charges are very Kangarooish.” — SalamRushdie (Nairaland).

Another user urged:“Gather your evidence and send it anonymously to SaharaReporter or Al Jazeera or CNN … and sit back and watch the movie.”

Crisis within NIS: Junior officers see these events as a betrayal of due process, breeding frustration and disillusionment.

Erosion of Rule of Law: Perceived protective networks undermine enforcement credibility and suggest lawlessness under the guise of influence.

Need for Transparency and Accountability:

Observers and citizens are calling for a formal investigation into the release and the role of the retired DCG.

On August 12, five Chinese individuals were arrested for immigration violations linked to Royal Castle Ceramics.

Despite significant evidence of non-compliance, they were released—after alleged lobbying by a retired top immigration officer. This has triggered public fury, internal disquiet in the NIS, and urgent calls for reform and investigation.