The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) don arraign 15 Chinese nationals and nine Nigerians for illegal lithium mining for Kokona, Nasarawa State.The suspects dem appear for Federal High Court, Abuja, before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia after dem arrest on May 16, 2026.According to the court papers, the defendants dey carry out mining inside area wey dey under Exploration Licence No.036528-EL owned by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd without proper authority.The charge follow Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap.M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.Defence counsel, Prof.M.T.

Adekilekun (SAN), request bail for all defendants and court grant am with condition say dem must deposit international passports and national ID cards, no monetary bond required.Lead prosecution lawyer, Ojo Alex, confirm say the court act within im power to grant bail and expect say defendants go respect conditions for trial.The case go continue on June 18, 2026.

NSCDC Mining Marshals Commander, Attah Onoja, tok say dem go continue to enforce law against illegal mining to protect Nigeria mineral resources and make the sector clean.This case show how NSCDC dey serious about preventing unlawful exploitation of minerals and promoting accountability in mining operations.