24 Arraigned Over Illegal Lithium Mining in Nasarawa as Mining Marshals Intensify Crackdown

The Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining received a major boost on Friday as the Mining Marshals arraigned 24 suspects, including 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining operations in Nasarawa State.

The defendants were brought before Justice Binta Nyako Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest on May 16, 2026, at an alleged illegal mining site in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

According to court documents, the suspects were accused of unlawfully conducting mining activities within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, reportedly owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants engaged in the extraction of lithium without lawful authority, contrary to the provisions of Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The charge stated that the offence carries severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment upon conviction.

Among those arraigned were 15 Chinese nationals identified as 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 include Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe and Elenekou Akoete Joli, alongside the corporate entity, C and A International New Energy Ltd.

At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, Prof. M.T. Adekilekun (SAN), urged the court to admit the defendants to bail, assuring the court that they would make themselves available throughout the trial.

Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the request and ordered the release of the defendants to their counsel pending the determination of the case.

Rather than imposing financial conditions, the court directed the accused persons to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar as part of the bail conditions.

Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Mr. Ojo Toluwatope Alex, acknowledged that bail was a constitutional right and remained within the discretion of the court.

He, however, expressed concern about the possibility of the defendants absconding and urged strict compliance with the court’s directives.

The case was adjourned until June 18, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

Commenting on the development, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, described the prosecution as part of a broader effort to rid Nigeria’s mining sector of illegal operators.

He reiterated the agency’s determination to enforce mining regulations, protect licensed operators and safeguard the country’s mineral resources from exploitation.

The arraignment marks one of the most significant prosecutions undertaken by the Mining Marshals since the specialised enforcement unit was established to combat illegal mining activities across the country.