The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities and unlawful possession of mineral resources, including lithium and copper.
According to a report by the EFCC’s legal team, the duo faces five criminal counts, including conspiracy, unauthorized mining operations, and unlawful possession of various mineral-rich materials. The charges stem from activities allegedly carried out in May 2025.
The arraignment took place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. The court was informed that a third suspect, Gao Pei Yu, also a Chinese national, is currently at large.
Leading the prosecution, Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, along with Chinenye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa, detailed how the suspects conspired to defraud the Nigerian government by illegally mining and attempting to export mineral resources without the required permits or authorisation from the appropriate authorities.
The EFCC stated that the defendants had in their possession and were preparing for export a variety of mineral-rich substances including:
Muscovite and Leidolite (Mica Minerals)
Spodumene and Petalite (Lithium-bearing ores)
Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite (Copper-bearing materials)
The charges, which violate Sections 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983, are considered serious federal offences and carry substantial penalties.
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Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges during the court proceedings. Their counsel, Jeremiah Okoro, requested that the court remand them in EFCC custody to allow for an oral bail application.
However, Justice Aneke denied the request and ordered the remand of the accused persons to Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to July 4, 2025, for commencement of trial.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s natural resources and holding both local and foreign offenders accountable, especially amid growing concerns about illegal mining threatening national economic security.
This case highlights the increasing crackdown on foreign exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral wealth, particularly lithium, which is in high global demand due to its use in electric vehicle batteries and other technologies.
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