Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Assets from Illegal Mining in Ogun

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of properties linked to illegal mining operations in Ogun State to the Federal Government. The assets were recovered from Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly involved in illicit mining activities.

The forfeited items include a mining site located in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, a Toyota 4Runner SUV, two trucks laden with mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container holding a substantial quantity of mineral resources. Justice Daniel Osiagor issued the forfeiture order on May 22, 2026, following a motion filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC's application, argued by counsel Bilkisu Buhari, sought custody and disposal of the recovered properties under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The commission also requested authorization to dispose of the assets in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials, with proceeds to be deposited in an interest-bearing account pending criminal proceedings.

An affidavit presented by an EFCC operative detailed intelligence reports about a syndicate comprising Chinese and Nigerian nationals engaged in the illegal mining and trade of minerals like mica and lithium. The suspects allegedly transported these minerals to Ode-Remo for sorting and preparation for export. EFCC operatives conducted a sting operation on May 9, 2025, arresting two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians at the mining site. Recovered during the operation were the SUV, three trucks with mineral resources, and a 40-foot container with 3,210 bags of mica and lithium stones. The court acknowledged that the properties were susceptible to deterioration and loss of economic value. The principal suspects have already been arraigned on charges related to unauthorized dealing in mineral resources.

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intelligence reports revealed that a syndicate comprising Chinese nationals and Nigerians was engaged in the illegal mining and trade of mineral resources, particularly mica and lithium stones.