Tuesday, June 2, 2026 - Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerian citizens, and a mining company before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining operations in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia
of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest during a joint
enforcement operation on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the
state.
According to court filings, the suspects were allegedly
caught carrying out mining activities without lawful authorisation within a
mineral-rich area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally held by
TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
Prosecutors alleged that the accused persons engaged in the
unlawful extraction of lithium within the licensed mining zone located in
Kokona, an area increasingly attracting attention due to its significant solid
mineral deposits.
Court documents revealed that the defendants were charged
under provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which criminalises
unauthorised mining activities and other related offences.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleged that the
accused persons unlawfully undertook mining operations without the requisite
approvals and licences from relevant regulatory authorities.
Under Nigerian law, illegal mining is regarded as a serious
economic crime, with penalties ranging from lengthy prison terms to life
imprisonment, depending on the nature and gravity of the offence.
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 Nigerians identified as
Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua,
Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli, and another defendant, alongside
C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The arraignment marks one of the most significant crackdowns
by the Mining Marshals since the federal government’s renewed campaign against
illegal mining across the country.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that unregulated mining activities deprive the nation of revenue, fuel environmental degradation, and undermine legitimate operators within the sector.
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