The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged involvement in illegal mining and possession of mineral resources, including lithium, copper, and mica. The duo is facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful mining, and unauthorized possession of mineral resources intended for export.
According to the EFCC prosecutor, the defendants—alongside one Gao Pei Yu, currently at large—committed the offences sometime in May 2025. The prosecution alleged that the three individuals conspired among themselves with the intent to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria by exporting valuable mineral resources without the required authorization from relevant authorities.
The mineral resources in question include:
Mica minerals (T-12078LA, Muscovite and Leidolite),
Lithium-bearing minerals (LSR585XD – Spodumene and Petalite),
Copper-associated minerals (LSR585XD – Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite),
Other lithium ores (APP379XW – Spodumene and Petalite).
These materials were allegedly found in their possession and were intended for exportation, in violation of Nigerian laws.
The EFCC stated that the alleged crimes contravene Section 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983, and are punishable under the same legal provisions.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges when read to them in court.
Following their plea, the prosecution asked the court to remand the defendants in prison custody and requested that a trial date be set. However, counsel representing the defendants appealed to the court to have them held in EFCC custody instead.
Justice Aneke ruled that the two defendants be remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Facility and subsequently adjourned the case to July 4, 2025, for trial.
Among the charges read in court was that the trio, on or about May 9, 2025, in Lagos, conspired to export mineral resources—specifically mica, copper, and lithium-bearing minerals—without lawful approval, thereby defrauding the Federal Government of expected revenue. This act was classified as a violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983.
