The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Lagos Zonal Directorate successfully prosecuted Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai for engaging in illicit mining activities. Presiding over the case at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Justice Akintayo Aluko delivered the verdict regarding charges of conspiracy and unauthorized possession of minerals intended for export.
Upon facing a five-count indictment, both defendants admitted their guilt. Prosecution representative H.U. Kofarnaisa presented testimony from investigating officer Matthew Orogwu, who submitted formal documentation to substantiate the allegations. Consequently, the prosecution requested that the court proceed with sentencing.
Justice Aluko convicted both individuals on all counts, issuing a five-year prison sentence for each. The court provided an alternative in the form of a 50 million Naira fine to satisfy the penalties for all counts combined. Additionally, the judge ordered the confiscated mineral assets to be surrendered to the Nigerian government.
