An Abuja Federal High Court has ordered the remand of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian in Kuje Prison for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities.
The accused were apprehended in Lokpaukwu village, Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area, Abia State, by the Mining Marshals, a security unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), according to Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
The individuals facing charges are Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited.
Following arguments from both sides, the court directed that they be held in Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
Parts of the statement read: “The Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” Is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. This initiative is a pivotal component of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, and obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources.”
In the same vein, a Nigerian and eight Chinese nationals have been arraigned by the Federal Government for engaging in illegal mining activities in the Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within the Umunneochi local government area of Abia State.
