Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerian citizens, and a mining company before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining operations in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest during a joint enforcement operation on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
According to court filings, the suspects were allegedly caught carrying out mining activities without lawful authorisation within a mineral-rich area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
Prosecutors alleged that the accused persons engaged in the unlawful extraction of lithium within the licensed mining zone located in Kokona, an area increasingly attracting attention due to its significant solid mineral deposits.
Court documents revealed that the defendants were charged under provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which criminalises unauthorised mining activities and other related offences.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleged that the accused persons unlawfully undertook mining operations without the requisite approvals and licences from relevant regulatory authorities.
Under Nigerian law, illegal mining is regarded as a serious economic crime, with penalties ranging from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment, depending on the nature and gravity of the offence.
Those arraigned include Chinese nationals 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.
Also listed in the charge are nine Nigerians identified as Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli, and another defendant, alongside C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The arraignment marks one of the most significant crackdowns by the Mining Marshals since the federal government’s renewed campaign against illegal mining across the country.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that unregulated mining activities deprive the nation of revenue, fuel environmental degradation, and undermine legitimate operators within the sector.
