By Twenty-four suspects, including 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians, have been brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of unauthorised lithium mining in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia after their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly conducted mining operations without lawful authority within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleged that the defendants engaged in unauthorised mining activities contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
At the commencement of proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendants would be available for trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application and ordered that the defendants be released to their counsel pending trial.
As part of the bail conditions, the court directed the defendants to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar. No monetary bond or sureties were required.
Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex, said the court acted within its powers in granting bail and expressed confidence that the defendants would comply with the conditions and appear for trial.
The case was adjourned until June 18, 2026, for trial.
Commenting on the arraignment, Onoja reiterated the commitment of the Mining Marshals and the NSCDC to curbing illegal mining activities across the country.
He said the agency would continue its enforcement efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and sanitise the mining sector.
