Eight Chinese Nationals, Nigerian Arraigned In Abuja, Over Illegal Mining Activities In Abia

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Eight Chinese Nationals and a Nigerian have been arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court presided over by Justice  J.K. Omotosho on charges bordering on illegal mining activities.

The accused were arrested by a combined team of Operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and Mining Marshals of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals   over alleged illegal mining activities in Lakpaukwu area, Umuchieze ,in Umunneochi Local Council of Abia state.

A statement issued on Friday, July 12, 2024 in Abuja, by the media aide to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Segun Tomori, said the suspects were arraigned  Thursday July 11, on a 3- count charge bordering on mining without lawful authority, and obstruction of lawful mining operations.

Justice Omotosho remanded the nine suspects at the Kuje Correctional facility, after taking pleas and arguments from both the prosecution and defendants’ legal teams.

Those arraigned were Shen Yongchan,Mo Baixian,Xiao Bin ,Huang Xu Fa,Ma Bingli, Yang Jian,Li Peiyin,and Que Wenyong .

Others are Hiyk Edward Desmond and Wanda Company Limited .

The accused are to be remanded until the next adjourned  date for the continuation of trials.

The statement noted that the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, in his determination to halt illegal mining of Nigeria’s mineral resources established the Mining Marshals, otherwise named “Operation Hayakin Kogo”

According to the statement, the setting up of the monitoring team is line with the cardinal components of the Minister’s 7-point agenda to restore sanity in the mining industry.

The Mining marshals who are  under the Command of ACC John Onoja, comprises 2,570 operatives and are  charged with the task of combating cartels and syndicates illegally operating in the mining industry.

Alake has assured of upscaling the operations of the Marshals through the provision of more equipment and modern technological tools for the purpose of properly protecting the industry from the activities of illegal miners.