15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerians docked over alleged illegal Lithium mining in Nasarawa
Kokona
Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerian citizens, and a mining company before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining operations in Nasarawa State. The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest during a joint enforcement operation on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state. According to court filings, the suspects were allegedly caught carrying out mining activities without lawful authorisation within a mineral-rich area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.