Nigeria arraigns 15 Chinese, nine Nigerians over illegal lithium mining

Fifteen Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa State. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) brought the defendants to court following their arrest on May 16, 2026, in the Kokona Local Government Area.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, stated that the accused were operating mining activities without the necessary lawful authority. Court documents reveal they were allegedly engaged in mining within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, which is owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd. This action contravenes Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

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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.

During the proceedings, the defense counsel applied for bail, assuring the court of the defendants' availability for trial. Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the bail application, ordering the defendants to be released to their counsel pending trial. Key conditions include depositing international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar, though no monetary bond or sureties were required.

Lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex, acknowledged the court's discretion in granting bail and expressed confidence that the defendants would adhere to the conditions. The court has adjourned the case until June 18, 2026, for the trial to commence. Onoja reiterated the NSCDC's commitment to combating illegal mining, emphasizing it as a national responsibility to protect Nigeria's mineral resources.

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The grant of bail is entirely within the discretion of the court.