In a quiet Lagos courtroom, the clash over Nigeria’s mineral wealth took centre stage. Two Chinese nationals stood before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, accused by the EFCC of illegally mining and exporting key minerals – a reminder that while the ground beneath us may be rich, not everyone plays by the rules.
The EFCC has brought illegal mining to the fore as two Chinese nationals face trial over unauthorised mineral extraction and exportation in Lagos.
- EFCC arraigned Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai on five counts of illegal mining
- Charges include conspiracy, unauthorised mineral possession, and attempted illegal export
- Minerals involved include mica, lithium-bearing, and copper-related ores
- The third accused, Gao Pei Yu, remains at large
- Trial adjourned to July 4, 2025, with defendants remanded in Ikoyi prison
The court’s decision to remand the accused underscores the seriousness with which Nigeria views violations in the mining sector.
