Twenty-four suspects, comprising 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged involvement in illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following their arrest by the Mining Marshals on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state. Authorities alleged that the suspects were engaged in lithium mining without the requisite licences and legal authorisation.
According to court documents, the alleged illegal mining operation was carried out within an exploration site covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd. The site is located within designated coordinates in Kokona LGA.
The defendants are facing charges under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which criminalises unlawful mining activities. Conviction under the law attracts severe penalties, including the possibility of life imprisonment.
Among those charged are Chinese nationals Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, and several others. The Nigerian defendants include Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, and other suspects. A corporate entity, C and A International New Energy Ltd, was also named in the charge.
During the proceedings, defence counsel, Professor M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons, assuring the court that they would make themselves available throughout the trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia subsequently granted bail, ordering that the defendants be released into the custody of their counsel pending the determination of the case. The court, however, directed all the accused persons to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar as part of the bail conditions.
Prosecution counsel, Ojo Toluwatope Alex, acknowledged that the bail ruling was within the discretion of the court but expressed concern over the possibility of the defendants absconding. He noted that the decision effectively placed a responsibility on defence counsel to ensure their clients’ attendance in court.
The prosecutor expressed confidence that the accused persons would comply with the bail conditions and appear for trial as required.
The matter was adjourned until June 18, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.
Speaking after the proceedings, Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reiterated the agency’s resolve to intensify the crackdown on illegal mining across the country. He described the prosecution as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources, enforce mining regulations, and sanitise the sector.