The Court updates the sentence in the case against 8 Chinese citizens for alleged illegal mining

The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded a case involving eight Chinese nationals and two other defendants over allegations of illegal mining. The court will deliver its ruling on July 13, 2026.

Justice James Omotosho set the date after both the prosecuting counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, and the defendants’ counsel, Oladimeji Ekengba, submitted their written closing submissions and made their respective prayers to the court.

During the proceedings, Ekengba, representing the defence, filed a reply in cassation on 11 May, addressing the prosecution’s arguments. In his statement, Ekengba urged the court to acquit and acquit the accused, saying the defense had made its case clear.

On the other hand, Adeola, the Attorney General, who filed his last written statement on May 6, prayed for the conviction of the accused, urging the court to uphold the charges and find the accused guilty of illegal mining.

Justice Omotosho adjourned the case for trial and noted that the exact date of judgment will be communicated to the parties by the Registrar of the Court.

The defendants are being prosecuted by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) on three counts. The eight Chinese nationals involved in the case are Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Le Peiyin and Que Wenyong, the 1st to 8th defendants respectively. Hiyk Edward Desmond, a Nigerian, is the ninth defendant, while Wanda Quarry Company Limited is the tenth defendant.

The prosecution had previously dropped the case, prompting the defendants to enter a plea of ​​abstention from the case. However, Justice Omotosho rejected the request, ruling that the prosecution had established a prima facie case with sufficient evidence to justify the defendants opening their defence.

In their defense, the defendants’ lead lawyer, Joe Agi, called a single witness, Mr. Silas Savior Godwin, who works with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Godwin gave evidence to support the defense’s case.

According to the allegations, the defendants, together with others now at large, were allegedly involved in illegal mining activities between October 19, 2022 and June 24, 2024. They are accused of mining in the cadastral area of ​​Quarry Lease No. 22284QLS, owned by Jinloys Nigeria Limited, without adequate legal authority. The accused are charged under Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offenses Act, Cap. M17, LFN 2004, and punishable under Section 1(8)(b) of the same Act.