FG arraigns eight Chinese nationals for illegal mining

The Federal Government has arrested and arraigned eight Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The suspects, including one Nigerian, were recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Marshals are tasked with ridding the mining sector of illegal operators.

The Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. This initiative is a pivotal component of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
Read also: Mining Cadastre Office says data safe despite downtime

The trial of the suspects began Saturday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed three charges bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others

Related News

A statement from the ministry, signed by Segun Tomori, special assistant on Media to the minister informed that 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.

The statement read ” Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial”

“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC Attah John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country”
Read also: FG reviews mining rates to boost sector’s reform
It added that 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

Ruth Tene Natsa

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet. An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.