15 Chinese, 9 Nigerians Arraigned in Abuja Over Alleged Illegal Lithium Mining in Nasarawa
Mining Marshals have brought 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerians, and a mining firm before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
PulseNets learnt that the defendants were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following their arrest during a coordinated enforcement operation carried out on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to court documents obtained by PulseNets, the accused persons were allegedly discovered conducting mining operations without the necessary legal authorisation in a mineral-bearing area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, a licence legally owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants unlawfully extracted lithium from the licensed mining location in Kokona, a community that has increasingly attracted mining interests due to its vast solid mineral resources.
Documents filed before the court further revealed that the defendants were charged under relevant provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which criminalises unauthorised mining activities and related offences across the country.
PulseNets reports that the charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, accused the defendants of carrying out mining operations without obtaining the required approvals, permits, and licences from the appropriate regulatory authorities.
Under Nigerian law, illegal mining is classified as a serious economic offence, attracting severe penalties that may include lengthy prison sentences and, in some circumstances, life imprisonment depending on the nature and extent of the violation.
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 among the defendants 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.
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The arraignment represents one of the most significant enforcement actions undertaken by the Mining Marshals since the Federal Government intensified efforts to combat illegal mining operations and protect Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Authorities have consistently warned that illegal and unregulated mining activities not only deprive the country of critical revenue but also contribute to environmental degradation and threaten the operations of legitimate licence holders within the mining industry.
