The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations linked to illegal mining and the unlawful possession of minerals.
The arraignment took place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. According to court documents, the defendants are facing a five-count charge. These charges include conspiracy, illegal mining activities, and possession of mineral resources—specifically lithium and copper—without lawful authorization.
Alongside Lin and Hai, another Chinese national, Gao Pei Yu, was mentioned in the case but is currently on the run. The prosecution team, led by Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, with support from Chinenye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa, noted that the alleged crimes were carried out in May 2025.
According to the EFCC, the accused persons were allegedly involved in the extraction and attempted export of mineral materials without licenses or proper documentation. The minerals listed in the case include Mica, lithium-bearing minerals such as Spodumene and Petalite, as well as copper-rich materials like Bornite and Cuprite.
One of the exhibits presented to the court included specific samples labeled as T-12078LA (Muscovite and Leidolite of Mica Minerals), LSR585XD (Spodumene, Petalite, Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite, and Cuprite), and APP379XW (Spodumene and Petalite Ores of Lithium).
The EFCC says these actions violate the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983, specifically Sections 8(a) and 8(b), which provide penalties for unauthorized handling and export of mineral resources.
Despite the charges, both Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai pleaded not guilty. After hearing both parties, the prosecution requested the court to remand the defendants to the correctional facility pending their trial.
However, defense counsel Jeremiah Okoro asked that his clients remain in EFCC custody instead, so he could file a bail application more easily.
Justice Aneke ruled that the two men be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and fixed July 4, 2025, as the trial date. Mm
