As part of efforts to combat illegal mining, the Nigerian Government has arraigned eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for illegal mining activities in Abia State, South-East geopolitical zone.
The suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, a special security unit established to tackle illegal mining in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of the State.
The unit, “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” was created by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to sanitise the mining sector.
The trial of the suspects was brought before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court on Thursday in Abuja.
The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
The defendants include Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, And Wanda Company Limited.
Justice Omotosho remanded the defendants at Kuje Correctional Centre until the next adjourned date.
The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, is a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating criminal activities in mining areas across the country.
The Minister said he is committed to strengthening the unit’s operations through technology and equipment to ensure the nation benefits from its mineral resources.
