Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

FG arraigns eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for illegal mining in Abia

Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining received a significant boost yesterday with the arraignment of several Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

A statement by the Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori stated that the suspects, including eight (8) Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The Marshals are tasked with ridding the mining sector of illegal operators.

“The Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. This initiative is a pivotal component of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment,” he stated.

The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others

“The defendants include Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wengyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited.

Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.

“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.,” he said

“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

ad

You May Also Like

Tech

European Union has fined Meta nearly €800 million for violating antitrust laws by automatically granting Facebook users access to its classified ads service, Facebook...

Tech

In the lead up to Anambra Innovation Week 2024, in a landmark collaboration poised to position Anambra State as Africa’s Silicon Valley, the United...

Business

Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Tincan Island Port Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has expressed his admiration for QNET for championing...

Tech

Technology experts at the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held in Lagos State-Nigeria, recently, highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain and AI in...