An Abuja Federal High Court has remanded eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in Kuje Prison for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities.
The defendants were arrested for engaging in illegal mining at Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
In a statement, Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the suspects, including eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, a security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The defendants were identified as Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond and Wanda Company Limited.
Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the judge ordered their remand at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.
Parts of the statement read: “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.
“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 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.
“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.”