Nigeria: EFCC arraigns two Chinese nationals for alleged illegal mining
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos, on charges of alleged illegal mining and possession of mineral resources. The defendants were accused of conspiring to defraud the Federal Government by engaging in illegal mining and exportation of mineral resources without the required authorization.
The EFCC’s prosecution team, led by Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, alleged that the defendants conspired to illegally export various mineral resources, including Mica products, copper-bearing and lithium-bearing minerals, without the permission of the appropriate authorities. They were also accused of having in their possession mineral resources, including Muscovite and Leidolite of Mica Minerals, Spodumene and Petalite of Lithium bearing minerals, and Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite of Copper, for exportation purpose
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them. Following their plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand them to the correctional centre and asked for a trial date. However, counsel for the defendants, Jeremiah Okoro, urged the court to remand the defendants in the EFCC custody to enable him to move the bail application orally.
Consequently, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke ordered that the two defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 4, 2025, for trial. The EFCC’s efforts to combat illegal mining and other economic crimes are ongoing, and the commission is determined to ensure that those who engage in such activities are brought to justice.
The case highlights the importance of ensuring that mineral resources are exploited and exported in accordance with the law. The EFCC’s actions demonstrate its commitment to protecting the nation’s economic interests and preventing the exploitation of its natural resources. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, and it is expected to serve as a deterrent to others who may be engaging in similar activities.
