Chinese Nationals and Company Arraigned in Nigerian Court for Illegal Mining
Two Chinese nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, along with their company, Ebuy Concept Limited, appeared before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Ilorin. They were brought by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being charged with engaging in illegal mining activities.
In a statement released by the EFCC, it was emphasized that the accused individuals and company were charged with possession of solid minerals without the required license and failure to pay royalties to the Nigerian Government as mandated by law.
The charge against them specified that they had purchased 30 tons of minerals without lawful authority in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, which constituted a violation of Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1984.
Upon pleading not guilty to the charge, the defendants were represented by their legal counsel, A. A. Aromolaran, who requested bail for them. The prosecution, led by EFCC’s counsel Innocent Mbachie, requested that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until the conclusion of the case and the commencement of trial.
Following the arguments presented by both sides, Justice Anyadike granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million naira each, with two sureties required for each defendant. The sureties were required to be landowners within the jurisdiction of the court and were also mandated to provide evidence of property ownership, payment of electricity bills for the past ten months, and tax payments for the past three years.
The judge also ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the EFCC until the bail conditions were met. The trial is set to commence on May 16, 2024.
This development reflects the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing illegal mining activities and upholding the country’s laws. The proceedings in the Federal High Court underscore the importance of adherence to regulations and the consequences of non-compliance, particularly for foreign entities operating within the country.
The case serves as a reminder that all business operations, including those involving natural resources, must be conducted in accordance with the laws and regulations of the host country. By ensuring compliance and accountability, the Nigerian government aims to protect its natural resources and safeguard the interests of its citizens.
The outcome of this trial will undoubtedly be closely monitored as it carries implications for the regulation of mining activities, foreign investments, and the enforcement of legal provisions in Nigeria. The judicial process is a crucial mechanism for upholding the rule of law and promoting ethical business practices. As such, the proceedings will be of interest to legal experts, industry stakeholders, and the general public alike.
