The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has brought 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged involvement in illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, after their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday.
According to documents filed before the court, the defendants were accused of carrying out mining operations without legal authorisation within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, belonging to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The charge, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleged that the defendants undertook unauthorised mining activities in violation of Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Those listed in the charge 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 named in the suit 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.
At the start of proceedings, counsel to the defendants, Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), requested bail, assuring the court that the defendants would make themselves available for trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the request and directed that the defendants be released to their counsel pending the hearing of the case.
As part of the bail terms, the court ordered the defendants to submit their international passports and national identity cards to the court registrar. No financial bond or sureties were imposed.
Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex, said the court acted within its powers in granting bail.
“The grant of bail is entirely within the discretion of the court,” Alex said.
He noted that the undertaking made by defence counsel placed responsibility on him to ensure the defendants’ appearance throughout the trial.
Alex expressed optimism that the defendants would comply with the bail conditions and attend subsequent court sittings.
