Illegal Mining: Chinese Nationals Remanded in Kuje Prison

• A Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the remand of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian to Kuje Prison for illegal mining activities in Abia State
• The suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, a security outfit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as part of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development’s efforts to sanitize the mining environment

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian to Kuje Prison. The federal government prosecuted them for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a statement by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, it was revealed that the suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The defendants 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.

After hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the court remanded the accused at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.

The statement read in part: “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 to sanitise 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, including mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among 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.”