Source: Africa Publicity
Some 15 Chinese citizens and nine Nigerians have been arraigned before a federal high court in Abuja for alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nigeria’s Nasarawa State.
The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arraigned the Chinese nationals and the Nigerians before Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, judge of the federal high court, on a two-count charge bordering on unlawful mining activities.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, was filed on May 18.
The defendants charged are Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, Zhang Yu, Tian Shuqun, Huang Ruqian, Liu Yanliang, Yang Xiaobin, Huang Meiyun, Yuan Tao, Jia Qiuyong, Chen Menghao, Deng Peiming and Yu Yanhai.
The rest are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli and C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The charge indicated that the defendants were arrested on May 16 in Kokona LGA of Nasarawa state while allegedly carrying out lithium mining operations without lawful authority.
The prosecution alleged that the suspects were apprehended within the area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, a mineral title held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
Court documents state that the alleged mining activities took place within the coordinates of longitude 8°4’12″E and latitude 8°34’12″N.
