EFCC Arraigns Two Chinese Nationals for Alleged Illegal Mining Activities

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illegal mining of lithium, and unlawful possession of mineral resources.

The arraignment, which took place on Wednesday, was conducted by EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, alongside Chineye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

According to the prosecution, the defendants, along with a third accomplice, Gao Pei Yu—who is currently at large—committed the alleged offences sometime in May 2025.

Buhari-Bala told the court that the defendants conspired to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria by unlawfully exporting mica products, copper-bearing minerals, and lithium-bearing resources without authorization from the appropriate authorities.

The EFCC further alleged that the defendants were found in possession of various mineral resources, including:

• T-12078LA Muscovite and Leidolite (Mica minerals),
• LSR585XD Spodumene and Petalite (Lithium-bearing minerals),
• LSR585XD Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite (Copper-bearing minerals), and
• APP379XW Spodumene and Petalite ores (Lithium-bearing minerals),

all intended for export without lawful approval.

These actions, according to the EFCC, contravene Sections 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983 and are punishable under the same section.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded in a Nigerian Correctional Services facility pending trial.

However, counsel to the defendants, Jeremiah Okoro, asked the court to allow his clients remain in EFCC custody while he sought leave to move a bail application orally.

Justice Aneke denied the request and ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The trial was adjourned to July 4, 2025.

Charges Against the Defendants Include:

1. Conspiracy to Defraud
   That Zhang Hong Lin, Gao Pei Hai, and Gao Pei Yu (at large), in May 2025, conspired with intent to defraud the Federal Government by unlawfully exporting mica, copper-bearing, and lithium-bearing mineral resources out of Nigeria.
   – Contrary to and punishable under Section 8(a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983.
2. Unlawful Possession of Mica Minerals
   Possession of T-12078LA Muscovite and Leidolite for export without lawful authority.
   – Contrary to Section 8(b) of the Act.
3. Unlawful Possession of Lithium Ores
   Possession of APP379XW Spodumene and Petalite ores of lithium for export.
   – Contrary to Section 8(b) of the Act.
4. Unlawful Possession of Copper-bearing Minerals
   Possession of LSR585XD Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite for export.
   – Contrary to Section 8(b) of the Act.
5. Unlawful Possession of Additional Lithium Minerals
   Possession of LSR585XD Spodumene and Petalite for export without permission.
   – Contrary to Section 8(b) of the Act.