The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of Court 6, Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, following their arrest on May 16, 2026.
According to the NSCDC, the suspects were allegedly engaged in the unlawful extraction of lithium in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State without a valid mining licence or lawful authority.
The corps said the defendants were arrested within the mineral title area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
The alleged illegal mining activities were said to have taken place within the licence area located at longitude 8°04’12″E and latitude 8°34’12″N.
The Chinese nationals standing trial are Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, Zhang Yu, Tian Shuqun, Huang Ruqian, Liu Yanliang, Yang Xiaobin, Huang Meiyun, Yuan Tao, Jia Qiuyong, Chen Menghao, Deng Peiming and Yu Yanhai.
Also arraigned are Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli, and C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The court adjourned the matter until June 18, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
