Illegal Lithium Mining Abuja Trial begins as 15 Chinese nationals, Nigerians, and a company face charges over alleged unlawful mining in Nasarawa

The Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerian citizens, and a mining company before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining activities in Nasarawa State.

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The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia at the Federal High Court following their arrest during a joint enforcement operation conducted on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The Illegal Lithium Mining Abuja Trial centres on allegations that the accused persons carried out unauthorised mining operations within a mineral-rich site covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, which is reportedly held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.

Prosecutors told the court that the defendants were allegedly caught extracting lithium without lawful approval from relevant regulatory authorities, in breach of national mining regulations.

Court documents show that the accused are facing charges under the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which criminalises illegal mining and other related economic offences.

The charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleges that the defendants conducted mining activities without valid licences, an offence treated under Nigerian law as a serious economic crime.

Under existing legislation, illegal mining carries significant penalties, including lengthy imprisonment terms depending on the severity of the offence and environmental impact.

The list of defendants includes 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians, alongside C and A International New Energy Ltd, all of whom are accused of participating in the alleged unlawful extraction operation.

The case represents one of the most extensive prosecutions since the Federal Government intensified its crackdown on illegal mining across mineral-rich regions of the country.

Authorities have repeatedly warned that illegal mining deprives Nigeria of critical revenue, fuels environmental degradation, and undermines legitimate operators within the solid minerals sector.