EFCC Arraigns Two Chinese Nationals for Alleged Illegal Mining and Mineral Resource Possession in Lagos
EFCC Arraigns Two Chinese Nationals for Alleged Illegal Mining and Mineral Resource Possession in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations of illegal mining and possession of mineral resources.
They face five charges linked to conspiracy, unlawful mining activities, and possession of minerals such as lithium and copper. The arraignment occurred on Wednesday before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. Also involved in the case is another Chinese national, Gao Pei Yu, who remains at large.
Leading the prosecution, EFCC lawyer Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, alongside Chinenye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa, accused the defendants of conspiring to defraud the Nigerian government by illegally mining and exporting mineral resources without proper authorization. Buhari-Bala stated that the alleged offenses took place in May 2025.
The prosecution claims the trio conspired to export various minerals, including mica, copper, and lithium-bearing minerals, without approval from relevant authorities. The charges include possession of specific mineral samples such as Muscovite, Leidolite, Spodumene, Petalite, Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite, all intended for export.
The offences are said to violate Sections 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983, which prescribe penalties under the law.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. In response, the prosecution requested that they be remanded in a correctional facility and that a trial date be set.
However, counsel for the accused, Jeremiah Okoro, asked for the opportunity to file a bail application orally and requested that the defendants be held in EFCC custody temporarily.
Justice Aneke ordered that Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until July 4, 2025, for trial.
