EFCC Arraigns Two Chinese Nationals Over Alleged Illegal Mining in Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC moved decisively on June 4, 2025, bringing two suspected Chinese illegal miners—Zhang Hong Lin and Zhao Pei Hai—before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

They face a five-count charge, primarily focused on unlawful possession and exportation of mineral resources—allegations that highlight ongoing challenges in policing illicit mining activities in Nigeria. This case underscores the EFCC’s commitment to curbing illegal exploitation of the country’s natural wealth, a fight critical not only for economic justice but also for environmental and social stability.

The court proceedings will now unravel the details, as the nation watches closely how Nigeria’s legal system tackles foreign involvement in resource crimes, a subject deeply tied to sovereignty and sustainable development.

One of the counts reads

“That you, ZHANG HONG LIN, GAO PEI HAI AND GAO PEI YU (AT LARGE) sometime in 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, conspired between yourselves and with intent to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of the revenue accruing therefrom and without the permission of the appropriate authority, engaged in the exportation of “Mica Products, Copper bearing and Lithium bearing mineral resources” out of Nigeria, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983 and punishable under Section 8 of the same Act.”

Zhang Hong Lin and Zhao Pei Hai entered a firm “not guilty” plea when the charges were read to them, setting the stage for a tense courtroom battle ahead.

Prosecution counsel Bilkisu Buhari, alongside C.C. Okezie and H.U. Kofarnaisa, quickly pushed for the defendants to be remanded in a Correctional Centre and requested a trial date. The defense, on the other hand, sought to keep their clients in EFCC custody while awaiting bail hearings—a bid that was promptly dismissed.

Justice Aneke decisively denied the defense’s request, remanding the suspects to a Correctional Centre instead, signaling the court’s intent to treat the charges with utmost seriousness. The judge then set July 4, 2025, for the trial to officially begin, marking the start of a crucial legal process that will test Nigeria’s resolve in tackling illegal mining and safeguarding its resources.