The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly carried out mining operations without lawful authority in an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL belonging to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, accused the defendants of engaging in unauthorised mining activities contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, Prof. M.T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendants would make themselves 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 accused persons to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar. No monetary bond or sureties were required.
Lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Alex, described the bail ruling as being within the powers of the court and expressed confidence that the defendants would honour the conditions and appear for trial.
The case was subsequently adjourned till June 18, 2026.
Speaking after the arraignment, Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, vowed that the crackdown on illegal mining would continue across the country.
“The fight against illegal mining is a national responsibility. We will continue our enforcement efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and sanitise the mining sector,” he said.
