Judiciary
Nasarawa Lithium Case: Federal authorities docked 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerians, and a company over alleged unlawful mining activities
The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The defendants appeared before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia on a two-count charge relating to unlawful mining operations.
Those arraigned include 15 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 — alongside nine Nigerians and a company, C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The Nigerian defendants are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, and Elenekou Akoete Joli.
According to the prosecution, the suspects were arrested on May 16 in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State while allegedly engaging in lithium mining without lawful authorization.
Court documents indicated that the alleged activities took place within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd, and within specified geographical coordinates in the area.
The prosecution stated that the alleged offence contravenes provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and is punishable under relevant sections of the law.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, counsel to the defendants, Senior Advocate of Nigeria M. T. Adekilekun, applied for bail, assuring the court that the accused persons would be available for trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the bail application and ordered that the defendants be released to their lawyer pending trial. The court also directed them to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar.
No monetary bond or sureties were required as part of the bail conditions.
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