By Ibrahim Salaudeen, Lagos
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of properties seized from Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly involved in illegal mining operations in Ogun State.
The ruling followed an application by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which sought custody and disposal orders for the recovered assets.
The forfeited properties include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, Ode-Remo, Ogun State; a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE; trucks loaded with large quantities of mica and lithium stones; and a 40-foot container filled with mineral resources.
Representing the EFCC, counsel Bilkisu Buhari urged the court to grant the application under Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, alongside other relevant laws.
The Commission also requested approval to work with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials to dispose of the assets, with proceeds to be paid into an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal trial.
According to an affidavit filed by an EFCC operative, intelligence reports revealed that a network of Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly engaged in the illegal mining and trade of mineral resources, especially mica and lithium stones.
Investigations showed that the minerals were sourced from different parts of Nigeria and transported to a processing site in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, before being prepared for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The affidavit further disclosed that EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation on Friday, May 9, 2025, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals believed to be the masterminds of the operation, alongside six Nigerians.
Recovered during the operation were the Toyota SUV, three trucks carrying mineral resources, and a 40-foot container holding 3,210 bags of mica and lithium stones.
The EFCC told the court that the items were at risk of deterioration due to the rainy season and were rapidly losing economic value.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions presented by the anti-graft agency, Justice Osiagor granted the application and ordered the final forfeiture and disposal of the assets.
The judge also directed that proceeds from the sale of the forfeited items be kept in an interest-bearing account until the criminal proceedings against the suspects are concluded.
