By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of mining assets to the Federal Government.
The assets were recovered from Chinese and Nigerian nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Ogun State.
The order followed an application filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission through its counsel, Bilkisu Buhari.
The forfeited assets include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, adjacent to 59 Street, Ode-Remo, Ogun State, alongside a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE.
Also forfeited were two trucks loaded with substantial quantities of mica and lithium stones, as well as a 40-foot container filled with large quantities of the minerals.
Justice Osiagor granted the order pursuant to Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and other relevant laws after considering the affidavit evidence presented by the EFCC.
The anti-graft agency also sought an order empowering the commission, in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials, to dispose of the forfeited assets and deposit the proceeds into an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
According to an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC operative, intelligence reports revealed that a syndicate involving Chinese and Nigerian nationals was engaged in the illegal mining and trade of mineral resources, particularly mica and lithium stones.
The affidavit stated that the suspects allegedly mined and transported the minerals from various locations across Nigeria to a site in the Ode-Remo Local Government Area of Ogun State.
At this location, the minerals were sorted, processed, and prepared for export through the Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The commission disclosed that operatives carried out a sting operation on May 9, 2025, which led to the arrest of six Nigerians and two Chinese nationals alleged to be the kingpins of the operation.
Items recovered during the raid included the Toyota SUV, three trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container holding 3,210 bags of mineral resources.
The EFCC further informed the court that the recovered properties were at risk of rapid deterioration due to the rainy season and were already losing economic value.
The agency added that the principal suspects had already been arraigned before the court on charges bordering on the unauthorized dealing of mineral resources.
After reviewing the submissions, Justice Osiagor ordered the final forfeiture and disposal of the assets, directing that the proceeds be paid into an interest-bearing account pending the determination of the criminal trial.