By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were brought before the court after their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area.
The defendants were arraigned before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following an investigation into alleged unauthorized mining operations within an area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL.
The licence is owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
According to court documents, the accused persons allegedly carried out mining activities without lawful authority, contrary to provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
Authorities stated that the illegal mining operation involved lithium extraction, a mineral increasingly sought after for use in battery production and renewable energy technologies.
The defendants include 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerian citizens, as well as a mining-related company.
During the court proceedings, defence counsel Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN) applied for bail on behalf of the accused persons, assuring the court that they would be available for trial whenever required.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the bail request and ordered the defendants to surrender their international passports and national identity cards to the court registrar.
The court did not impose any monetary bond or require sureties as part of the bail conditions.
Lead prosecution counsel, Ojo Alex, described the court’s decision as being within its legal discretion.
He expressed confidence that the defendants would comply with the conditions and appear for future hearings.
Speaking after the arraignment, Mining Marshals Commander Attah Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to tackling illegal mining across Nigeria.
He stated that enforcement operations would continue to protect the nation’s mineral resources and ensure compliance with mining regulations.
The court adjourned the case until June 18, 2026, when the trial is expected to commence.
