A Nigerian businessman, Mr. Amauche Obi, has petitioned the Nigeria Police Force over an alleged multi-million dollar business scam involving Hebei Kewang Import and Export Trading Co. Ltd, a Chinese company, accusing it of fraudulent conduct, delivery of defective goods, and threats to his life.
In a petition dated June 23, 2025, and addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos, Mr. Obi, through his legal representatives at Blafos Partners, narrated how he was allegedly swindled out of USD 340,555 under the guise of purchasing solar panels from the China-based firm.
According to the petition, the deal was initiated in March 2025 after Obi contacted company representatives, Anne Wang and Karen Li, to procure nine containers of high-grade solar panels. The duo reportedly assured him that the specific models and capacity he requested were in stock and ready for delivery.
Payments were made in tranches to various bank accounts in Hong Kong and Singapore—specifically Deuche Bank, Citibank, and another undisclosed financial institution—totaling over three hundred thousand dollars. But what followed, according to Obi, was a harrowing experience.
To his shock, what arrived in Nigeria were outdated, mismatched, and damaged panels, far below agreed specifications. Even more troubling, attempts to resolve the matter amicably yielded no results. The company allegedly conceded to re-ship five containers as compensation, but those never materialized.
Mr. Obi now finds himself under severe pressure from his co-investors who pooled funds into the deal, and fears for his personal safety as well as his reputation.
“This sinister move is not just a breach of contract but has placed my client in grave danger from associates and investors who feel betrayed,” wrote Mr. B.O. Alaka, counsel to Obi. “Despite multiple efforts, the company has maintained a dismissive attitude, ignoring calls and refusing to fulfill their obligations.”
The petition calls on the FCID to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter and take swift action to avert a potential breakdown of public order due to the financial and emotional toll on the victim and his network of backers.
While police sources confirm receipt of the petition, investigations are yet to commence as of press time. Meanwhile, calls and emails sent to Hebei Kewang Import and Export Trading Co. Ltd and the accused representatives have gone unanswered.
The case raises urgent concerns about the vulnerability of Nigerian businesspeople in international trade deals, particularly in the fast-growing renewable energy sector where demand for solar technology is surging.
Observers say the outcome of the police investigation may set a precedent for how cross-border commercial fraud cases involving Chinese entities are handled by Nigerian authorities.