Mining Marshals Arraign 15 Chinese, 9 Nigerians Over Illegal Lithium Mining in Nasarawa
The Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerians and a mining company before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Emeka Nwite Ofili-Ajumogobia of Court 6, Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, following their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to court documents, the accused persons were allegedly caught carrying out mining operations without lawful authority or licence within the mineral title area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The alleged illegal mining activities were said to have taken place within coordinates longitude 8° 4’ 12”E and latitude 8° 34’ 12”N.
A charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, obtained by THISDAY, alleged that the defendants unlawfully engaged in mining operations in violation of Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004.
The offence is punishable under the same provision and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction.
The Chinese nationals standing trial 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.
The Nigerian defendants are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe and Elenekou Akoete Joli, while C and A International New Energy Ltd was also named in the charge.
At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons, assuring the court that they would be available for trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application and ordered that the defendants be released to their counsel pending the determination of the case.
The court did not impose any monetary bond or require sureties. Instead, the defendants were directed to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar.
Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Mr. Ojo Toluwatope Alex, said the decision to grant bail rested entirely with the court.
He noted that the undertaking given by the senior advocate effectively placed responsibility on the defence counsel to ensure the defendants’ attendance throughout the trial.
Alex, however, expressed concern over the possibility of any of the defendants absconding and expressed hope that none of those released to their counsel would jump bail.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 18, 2026, for trial.
Commenting on the development, Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to rid the mining sector of illegal operators.
He described the fight against illegal mining as a national responsibility, stressing that sustained enforcement actions were critical to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and ensuring compliance with mining regulations.
By PRNigeria