Nigerian government charges 8 Chinese nationals with illegal mining

The Federal Government on Thursday arraigned eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian national for alleged illegal mining at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The foreign nationals – Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong and their Nigerian accomplice, Hiyk Edward Desmond, were arrested by mining officers in Lokpaukwu community, Umunneochi local government area of ​​Abia State.

Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

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A mining marshal was formed from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to rid the country’s mining sector of illegal operators.

The suspects were charged with three counts, including: mining without a valid permit and obstructing lawful mining operations.

In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho ordered that the defendants be detained at the Kuje correctional centre in Abuja until the resumption of trial.

Nigerian government charges 8 Chinese nationals over illegal mining first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.