The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arraigned 15 Chinese nationals alongside nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state during an operation by the NSCDC Mining Marshals.
According to a statement by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, the suspects were charged in connection with unauthorized mining activities carried out without legal approval.
Court filings indicated that the accused persons allegedly operated within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, which belongs to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, accused the defendants of engaging in illegal mining activities in violation of Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The defendants include Chinese nationals such as Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, Zhang Yu, Tian Shuqun, and several others, alongside Nigerian suspects including Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, and Jonathan Akpa Sunday.
At the hearing, defence counsel, Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the accused persons would appear for trial.
The court granted bail, ordering the release of the defendants to their counsel pending trial.
“The court exercised its discretion in granting bail,” said prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex.
He added that the assurances given by the defence team placed responsibility on them to ensure the defendants return for trial proceedings.
“We are confident that they will comply with the bail conditions and attend all court sittings,” Alex stated.
As part of the bail conditions, the court directed all defendants to submit their international passports and national identity cards to the court registrar, without requiring monetary bail or sureties.
The case has been adjourned until June 18, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Reacting to the development, Attah Onoja reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tackling illegal mining across the country.
“The fight against illegal mining is a national responsibility,” he said.
“We will continue our enforcement operations to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and ensure compliance in the mining sector.”
