NSCDC Arraigns Chinese, Nigerians Over Illegal Mining

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa State.

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia, Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday.

According to court documents, the defendants were accused of conducting mining operations without lawful authority within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleged that the defendants engaged in unauthorised mining activities contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The defendants are 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.

Others charged are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli and C and A International New Energy Ltd.

At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendants would be available for trial.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application and ordered that the defendants be released to their counsel pending trial.

As part of the bail conditions, the court directed the defendants to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar. No monetary bond or sureties were required.

Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex, said the court acted within its powers in granting bail.

“The grant of bail is entirely within the discretion of the court,” Alex said.

He noted that the undertaking made by defence counsel placed responsibility on him to ensure the defendants’ appearance throughout the trial.

Alex expressed optimism that the defendants would comply with the bail conditions and attend subsequent court sittings.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until June 18, 2026, for trial.

Commenting on the arraignment, Onoja reiterated the commitment of the Mining Marshals and the NSCDC to curbing illegal mining activities across the country.

“The fight against illegal mining is a national responsibility, and we will continue our enforcement efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and sanitise the mining sector,” Onoja said.