Twenty-four defendants, including 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State, highlighting ongoing efforts by authorities to combat unauthorised mineral exploitation in one of Nigeria’s most important solid minerals hubs.
Key Highlights:
- 24 defendants arraigned over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa
- Suspects include 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians
- Defendants accused of operating without a valid mining licence
- Court grants bail and orders surrender of passports and identity cards
- Trial scheduled to commence on June 18
- FG intensifies crackdown on illegal mining across Nigeria
- Nasarawa remains a key lithium-producing state amid rising global demand
The defendants appeared before Justice Binta Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest on May 16 in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to court documents, the accused allegedly conducted mining operations within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL belonging to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd without lawful authority or a valid mining licence.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendants violated Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, an offence that carries severe penalties upon conviction.
The Chinese nationals arraigned 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.
The Nigerian defendants are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Joli, and a corporate entity, C and A International New Energy Ltd.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail on behalf of the defendants.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application and ordered that the defendants be released to their counsel pending trial.
The court further directed all defendants to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the court registrar.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 18 for trial.
Speaking after the proceedings, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Ojo Toluwatope Alex, expressed concern that some defendants could abscond despite the bail conditions.
He, however, noted that defence counsel had undertaken to ensure the attendance of all defendants throughout the trial.
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The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, described the prosecution as part of broader efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s mining industry and protect the country’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation.
Federal Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Lithium Mining
The prosecution comes amid increased enforcement against illegal lithium mining and other unauthorised mineral extraction activities across Nasarawa State and other mineral-rich regions of Nigeria.
In April 2025, Mining Marshals dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of three foreign nationals.
At the time, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the Federal Government’s campaign against illegal mining.
“This is a crucial milestone in our tireless efforts to sanitise the mining sector,” Alake said.
Authorities also alleged that the site had previously evaded law enforcement efforts and was protected by compromised security operatives.
Mining Disputes Continue in Nasarawa
The latest case comes amid growing disputes over mining operations and regulatory oversight within Nasarawa State.
On May 14, the Nasarawa State Government ordered the closure of Lideal Mines Company in Endo Community, Udege Development Area, citing security concerns and alleged breaches of agreements with host communities.
The state government maintained that the company repeatedly failed to comply with directives issued by regulatory authorities.
However, Lideal Mines Company has challenged the action in court, arguing that the state lacks constitutional authority to interfere with federally licensed mining operations.
The company is also seeking N5 billion in damages in a separate legal action.
Rising Global Demand Drives Lithium Rush
Nasarawa State has become a major destination for lithium exploration due to growing global demand for minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage systems, and advanced technologies.
The increasing value of lithium has attracted both licensed investors and illegal operators, prompting the Federal Government to strengthen surveillance and enforcement mechanisms.
As part of efforts to curb illegal lithium mining, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has announced plans to deploy satellite monitoring systems and advanced tracking technology to monitor mining activities nationwide.
Industry stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the trial as Nigeria seeks to position its solid minerals sector as a major contributor to economic diversification and national revenue generation.
