Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of properties recovered from Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in Ogun State to the Federal Government.
- +EFCC secures final forfeiture of illegal mining assets in Ogun
The forfeited assets include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, adjacent to 59 Street, Ode-Remo, Ogun State; a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE; two trucks loaded with substantial quantities of mica and lithium stones; and a 40-foot container containing large quantities of mineral resources.
The forfeited assets include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, adjacent to 59 Street, Ode-Remo, Ogun State; a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE; two trucks loaded with substantial quantities of mica and lithium stones; and a 40-foot container containing large quantities of mineral resources.
Justice Osiagor made the order on May 22, 2026, following a motion filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The application, argued by EFCC counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, sought an order for the custody and disposal of the recovered properties pursuant to Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and other relevant laws.
The commission also requested an order authorising the EFCC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials, to dispose of the assets and deposit the proceeds into an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal proceedings.
According to an affidavit deposed to by an EFCC operative, intelligence reports revealed that a syndicate comprising Chinese nationals and Nigerians was engaged in the illegal mining and trade of mineral resources, particularly mica and lithium stones.
The affidavit stated that the suspects allegedly mined and transported the minerals from different parts of the country to a site in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, where the resources were sorted, processed and prepared for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
It was further disclosed that EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation in the early hours of May 9, 2025, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals described as alleged kingpins and six Nigerians at the mining site.
Recovered items during the operation included the Toyota 4Runner SUV, three trucks loaded with mineral resources and a 40-foot container containing 3,210 bags of mica and lithium stones.
According to the commission, the properties listed in the schedule are susceptible to rapid deterioration due to the rainy season and are already losing economic value.
The EFCC also informed the court that the principal suspects had already been arraigned on charges bordering on the unauthorised dealing in mineral resources.
After reviewing the affidavit evidence and submissions of counsel, Osiagor granted the application and ordered the final forfeiture and disposal of the assets.
The judge further directed that those proceeds from the disposal be paid into an interest-bearing account pending the determination of the criminal trial.
