By Fatima Saka
Concerns over the looting of Nigeria’s critical mineral resources intensified on Saturday as 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa State.
The suspects were docked before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia following their arrest on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area, where they were reportedly mining lithium without lawful authority.
According to court filings, the defendants were apprehended within a mineral title area legally assigned to TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd under Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, raising serious questions about encroachment and regulatory enforcement in the sector.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, stated that the accused persons engaged in unauthorised mining activities contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, a provision that prescribes stiff penalties, including life imprisonment upon conviction.
At the commencement of proceedings, defence counsel, Prof. M. T. Adekilekun (SAN), applied for bail, assuring the court that the defendants would be available for trial.
Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia granted the request, ordering that the accused be released to their counsel without monetary conditions but directed them to deposit their international passports and national identity documents with the court registrar.
Reacting after the hearing, lead prosecution counsel for the Mining Marshals, Mr. Ojo Toluwatope Alex, noted that bail was granted at the court’s discretion but expressed concern over the possibility of the defendants absconding, given the cross-border dimension of the case.
The development has reignited debate over Nigeria’s capacity to regulate its fast-growing lithium sector, which has attracted intense global interest due to its strategic importance in clean energy technologies.
Industry observers warn that illegal mining operations, if left unchecked, could deprive the country of significant revenue, fuel environmental degradation, and undermine legitimate investors.
Commenting on the case, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reiterated the agency’s determination to clamp down on illegal operators, describing the fight against unauthorised mining as critical to protecting national assets.
He emphasised that sustained enforcement efforts and stronger inter-agency collaboration are essential to sanitising the sector and restoring investor confidence.
The case has been adjourned until June 18, 2026, for trial, with stakeholders closely watching what many describe as a test of Nigeria’s resolve to curb illegal exploitation of its mineral wealth amid the global lithium rush.
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