The Federal Government has apprehended and laid charges against eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for illegal mining in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.
The arrest was carried out by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit carved out from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The Mining Marshals are tasked with cleaning up the mining sector by weeding out the illegal operators.
It is a 2,570-strong force led by ACC John Onoja, dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.
This security outfit, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, as part of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
The trial of the suspects began on Thursday, July 11, before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, and obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
The Chinese nationals and Nigerian 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.
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 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,” a statement issued by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said.
