The Federal Government, through the Mining Marshals, has arraigned Alhaji Kolawole Olaiya and his company, Stone Rockers Nigeria Limited, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal mining activities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The defendants were charged with unlawfully conducting mining operations within Mining Lease No. 000395ML, a title legally owned by Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited.
Following a thorough investigation, the Mining Marshals deployed advanced geospatial verification techniques to determine the exact location of the alleged illegal operations. This process included the use of GPS-enabled photographic evidence and validation of coordinates with official cadastral data obtained from the Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja.
The findings confirmed that the defendants’ activities took place within the legally protected mineral title area of the complainant. Further evidence revealed that the defendants continued operations despite several directives to vacate the site, indicating a clear disregard for regulatory compliance.
A formal confirmation issued by the Mining Cadastre Office on January 23, 2026, validated the location of the offence. Consequently, the site, along with all equipment found there, has been secured and designated as a crime scene pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The defendants are facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful mining, contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The alleged offences were committed between October 2024 and July 30, 2025.
At the arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to combating illegal mining. He described the case as part of a broader pattern of unlawful encroachment that threatens legitimate operators and undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s mining sector.
He further emphasized that enforcement actions will be intensified in line with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ mandate to protect mineral resources, uphold the rule of law, and boost investor confidence in the sector.
The court has adjourned the matter to April 27, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The Mining Marshals reiterated their resolve to ensure that all mining activities in Nigeria are conducted strictly in accordance with the law, in line with the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi.