The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before a federal high court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia on a two-count charge bordering on unlawful mining operations. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, was filed on May 18.
Those arraigned include 15 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 — alongside nine Nigerians and a company, C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The Nigerian defendants are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, and Elenekou Akoete Joli.
According to the prosecution, the accused were arrested on May 16 in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State while allegedly engaging in lithium mining without lawful authorization.
Court documents stated that the alleged activities took place within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd, and within specific geographic coordinates in the area.
The offence is said to contravene provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and is punishable under relevant sections of the law.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, their counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria M. T. Adekilekun, applied for bail, assuring the court that they would attend trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the application and ordered their release to their lawyer pending trial. The court also directed the defendants to deposit their international passports and national identity cards with the registrar.
No monetary bond or sureties were imposed as bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until June 18 for hearing.
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