LAGOS — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges related to illegal mining and unlawful possession of mineral resources.
The suspects were brought before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on Wednesday and are facing a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, illegal mining, and possession of minerals such as lithium and copper. They were arraigned alongside another Chinese national, Gao Pei Yu, who is currently at large.
According to the EFCC legal team led by Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, with Chinenye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa, the accused conspired to defraud the Federal Government by engaging in mining and exporting mineral resources without proper authorisation.
The offences allegedly occurred in May 2025.
The prosecution detailed that the trio attempted to export several mineral products illegally, including Mica minerals (Muscovite and Leidolite), lithium-bearing minerals (Spodumene and Petalite), and copper-related minerals (Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite).
The charges are said to contravene Sections 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983 and are punishable under the same law.
The defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested that the court remand them in a correctional facility pending trial. However, their lawyer, Jeremiah Okoro, appealed for the accused to remain in EFCC custody while he presented a bail application.
Justice Aneke declined the request and ordered that the two defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until July 4, 2025, for trial.
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