The Nigerian Government has charged eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian citizen for illegal mining activities in Abia State. This action follows their arrest by the Mining Marshals, a special unit aimed at curbing illegal mining.
Key details include:
– **Operation Hayakin Kogo:** A task force launched by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, to regulate mining practices.
– **Court Proceedings:** The accused appeared before Justice J.K. Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing three charges including illegal mining and obstructing lawful operations.
– **Defendants:** The group includes Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, and others, along with Wanda Company Limited.
– **Custody:** Justice Omotosho ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the next hearing.
– **Mining Marshals Strength:** Led by ACC John Onoja, the unit consists of 2,570 personnel focused on combating mining-related crimes.
– **Government Commitment:** The Minister emphasised enhancing the unit’s capabilities with advanced technology to maximise the nation’s mineral resource benefits.