The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated legal proceedings against eight individuals from China and one Nigerian citizen for their involvement in illegal mining activities in the Lokpaukwu community of Umuchieze, located within the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed on Friday that the accused were apprehended by the mining marshals, an elite security unit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. This initiative, known as “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” was established as part of the minister’s seven-point agenda to revitalize the mining sector.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, Alake underscored that the establishment of the mining marshals is a pivotal measure in their efforts to purify the mining landscape and ensure that Nigeria fully benefits from its mineral resources.
The trial of the suspects commenced yesterday before Justice J. K. Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The prosecution has filed a three-count charge, which includes mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations.
The accused parties, including Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited, have been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the scheduled next court date, following the hearing of pleas and arguments from both sides.