The arraignment of multiple Chinese nationals for unlawful mining activities in Lokpaukwu village, Umuchieze, inside Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, has significantly bolstered the Federal Government’s efforts to curb illicit mining.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)-trained Mining Marshals, an elite security unit, recently captured the suspects, who included eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian.
Eliminating illicit operators from the mining sector is the responsibility of the Marshals. Segun Tomori, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, was informed of this in a statement released on Friday by the Special Assistant on Media.
He said that the Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, adding that the initiative is a pivotal component of Alake’s 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.
“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.
“The defendants include SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
“Upon 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,” the statement read.
