The Mining Marshals have brought 24 suspects — 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 after their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area, where they were reportedly caught mining lithium without the required licence or legal authorization.
Court records show that the alleged illegal operation took place within a licensed exploration area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, which belongs to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd. The site is said to fall within specific coordinates in the area.
The suspects are facing charges under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which prohibits unlawful mining activities. If found guilty, the offence carries a severe penalty, including a possible life sentence.
Those charged include several Chinese nationals — among them Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, and others — alongside Nigerian suspects such as Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, and additional individuals. Also listed in the charge is C and A International New Energy Ltd.
During the court session, defence counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Prof. M. T. Adekilekun, applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendants would attend their trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted bail, ordering the defendants to be released to their lawyer pending trial. However, no financial bond or surety conditions were imposed. Instead, the court directed that all defendants surrender their international passports and national identity cards to the court registrar.
Prosecution counsel Mr. Ojo Toluwatope Alex said the bail decision was at the court’s discretion but expressed concern about the risk of defendants absconding. He noted that the court had effectively placed responsibility on defence counsel to ensure their clients appear for trial.
He added that he hoped none of the accused persons would violate their bail conditions or flee prosecution.
The case has been adjourned until June 18, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining activities, describing the ongoing enforcement as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and sanitize the mining sector.
