The Federal Government has arraigned eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The suspects were arraigned before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

The suspects were recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, a 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 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 prosecution filed a three-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among others, against the Chinese nationals and a Nigerian.

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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 John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.

Reacting, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, reiterated his commitment 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 mineral resources.

The Star