The Nigerian government has arraigned eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over illegal mining activities in the Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, in the Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his spokesman, Segun Tomori, on Friday, said that the suspects were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit derived from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The marshals, under the operation, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo”, were established by the minister as part of his 7-point agenda to clean up the mining sector.
“The establishment of the mining marshals is a crucial step in our agenda to sanitize the mining environment and ensure that Nigeria benefits fully from its mineral resources,” he said.
The trial of the suspects began, on Friday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The prosecution filed a three-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, and obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
The defendants are Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited.
After 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.
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.
