A major crackdown on illegal mining activities in Nigeria has led to the arraignment of 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged unlawful lithium mining operations in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of Court 6, Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, following their arrest on May 16, 2026, by the Mining Marshals. They are accused of conducting mining activities without lawful authority or a valid licence in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to court documents, the suspects were apprehended within a mineral title area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd. The alleged illegal operations reportedly took place within coordinates longitude 8° 4′ 12″E and latitude 8° 34′ 12″N.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants violated Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004, by engaging in unauthorized mining activities. The offence carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment upon conviction.
Those arraigned include Chinese nationals Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, Zhang Yu, Tian Shuqun, Huang Ruqian, Liu Yanliang, Yang Xiaobin, Huang Meiyun, Yuan Tao, Jia Qiuyong, Chen Menghao, Deng Peiming, and Yu Yanhai.
Also listed in the charge are nine Nigerian nationals — Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, and Elenekou Akoete Joli — alongside C and A International New Energy Ltd.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, Prof. M.T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendants would remain available throughout the trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application, ordering the defendants’ release into the custody of their counsel pending trial. The court did not impose a monetary bond or require sureties but directed the accused persons to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar.
Speaking after the hearing, Lead Prosecution Counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Toluwatope Alex, noted that the decision to grant bail was entirely within the court’s discretion. He expressed concern over the possibility of the defendants absconding but said he hoped they would comply with all court directives.
“The court has effectively placed responsibility on defence counsel to ensure the defendants appear throughout the proceedings,” Alex stated.
The case has been adjourned until June 18, 2026, for trial.
Reacting to the development, Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the agency’s determination to eliminate illegal mining across Nigeria. He described the operation as part of a broader national effort to protect the country’s mineral wealth, strengthen regulatory compliance, and restore order to the mining sector.
“The fight against illegal mining is a national responsibility. We remain committed to sanitising the sector and safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources from unlawful exploitation,” Onoja said.