The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have brought 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of Court 6 at the Federal High Court, Abuja following their arrest on May 16, 2026.
According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the accused persons were allegedly caught extracting lithium without legal authorisation or a valid mining licence in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The corps stated that the operation took place within a mineral title area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, belonging to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The alleged illegal activity was said to have occurred within coordinates 8° 4’ 12”E longitude and 8° 34’ 12”N latitude.
The Chinese nationals on trial include 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.
Others charged alongside them 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 court adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026, for the commencement of trial proceedings.