The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following their arrest by operatives of the Mining Marshals on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the prosecution as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly carried out mining operations without lawful authority within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, belonging to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, accused the defendants of engaging in unauthorised mining activities contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
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.
Others are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli and C and A International New Energy Ltd.
At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Prof. M.T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the accused persons would be available for trial whenever required.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application and ordered that the defendants be released to their counsel pending trial.
As part of the bail conditions, the court directed the defendants to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar. The court did not require any monetary bond or sureties.
Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex, said the court acted within its powers in granting bail.
“The grant of bail is entirely within the discretion of the court,” he said.
Alex noted that the undertaking given by defence counsel placed a responsibility on him to ensure that the defendants appear before the court throughout the trial.
He expressed confidence that the defendants would comply with the bail conditions and attend subsequent proceedings.
The court adjourned the matter until June 18, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Commenting on the development, Onoja reiterated the determination of the Mining Marshals and the NSCDC to intensify enforcement against illegal mining across the country.
“The fight against illegal mining is a national responsibility, and we will continue our enforcement efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and sanitise the mining sector,” he stated.
The arraignment comes amid renewed efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen regulation of the mining sector and tackle illegal exploitation of solid minerals, particularly lithium, which has witnessed growing global demand in recent years.