In a bid to rid the mining sector of all forms of illegalities, the Federal Government has arraigned eight Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for unapproved mining activities in Abia State.
The suspects were recently apprehended by Mining Marshals at Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze in Umunneochi Local Government Area of the state.
News Rider reports that the suspects were arraigned on Friday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The defendants are Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyi, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond and Wanda Company Limited.
Police prosecutors had filed a three-count charge bordering on mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among others.
Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.
Briefly
The Mining Marshals named Operation Hayakin Kogo was established by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake. They were created from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The initiative was part of the minister’s seven-point agenda to sanitise the mining environment. The Marshals are mandated to rid the mining sector of illegal operators.
Led by ACC John Onoja, the Marshals comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining sites across the country.
The introduction of Mining Marshals were part of the ministers commitment in strengthening mining operations through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources.
These were contained in a statement by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori on Friday in Abuja.
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