FG arraigns 8 Chinese nationals, 1 Nigerian over illegal mining
The Federal Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining with the arraignment of eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite unit formed from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
Announcing the development, Special Assistant to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, revealed that the operation, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is part of a broader initiative to sanitize the mining sector.
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“The defendants, 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, face charges related to mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations,” Tomori stated.
Led by ACC John Onoja, the Mining Marshals, totaling 2,570 personnel, are dedicated to curbing criminal activities in mining areas nationwide.
The trial commenced yesterday under Justice J.K Omotosho, with the defendants remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
Proofreading, editing by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime.
