Court Postpones Trial of Eight Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining in Abuja

On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja announced a new date for the trial of eight Chinese nationals and two others accused of illegal mining activities, moving it to April 21.

Judge James Omotosho ordered the adjournment after a request for a postponement was made by the defense attorney, Joe Agi, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). The prosecution, represented by fellow SAN Adeola Adedipe, did not oppose the request for the delay.

During the proceedings, Mr. Agi informed the court that it was impossible to continue with the trial due to the absence of their lead defense witness.

He explained that the witness was unable to travel from Lagos State to Abuja due to health reasons.

Mr. Adedipe was in agreement with the defense's request. He stated, "If it is on medical grounds, we are not objecting, my lord."

Consequently, Judge Omotosho set the new hearing date for April 21 for the trial to proceed.

The charges against the accused, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), were filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and encompass three counts related to illegal mining.

The Chinese defendants include Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Le Peiyin, and Que Wenyong. Alongside them, a Nigerian, Hiyk Edward Desmond, as well as Wanda Quarry Company Limited, are also facing charges.

It is noteworthy that the court previously dismissed a no-case submission put forward by the defense after the prosecution completed its case. The ruling confirmed that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the accused, necessitating their defense.

On February 25, the defense summoned its first witness, Silas Saviour Godwin, who is associated with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to provide testimony regarding the case.

In the first count, the prosecutors allege that between October 19, 2022, and June 24, 2024, the defendants conspired with others, now at large, to mine minerals within the cadastral area designated as Quarry Lease No. 22284QLS, which is owned by Jinloys Nigeria Limited, without legal authority.

The charges further claim that they conducted quarrying operations in violation of Section 3(6) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, LFN 2004, punishable under Section 1 (8)(b) of the same Act.