Nigerian Court Deports Four Chinese Nationals, Forfeits N134M in Illegal Mining Case
May 16, 2025 – Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
On May 14, 2025, Justice Dorcas V. Agishi of the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, sentenced four Chinese nationals—Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong—to five years’ imprisonment for illegal mining of solid minerals, with an option to pay a N2 million fine each. The court ordered their immediate deportation to China and the forfeiture of N134 million, identified as proceeds of their illicit activities, to the Federal Government of Nigeria. The ruling, announced by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marks a significant step in Nigeria’s crackdown on illegal mining, amid growing concerns over environmental degradation and economic losses in the mineral-rich nation.
Case Details and Conviction
The four defendants were arrested on April 19, 2025, in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State by the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Command, following credible intelligence about their unauthorized mining operations. They were charged with illegal possession and purchase of solid minerals, primarily low-grade lithium, in violation of Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The EFCC alleged that the group operated without lawful authority, conspiring to mine and trade minerals, thereby defrauding the government of revenue.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence including:
- Recovered minerals (suspected low-grade lithium samples).
- A Toyota 4Runner SUV used in their operations.
- Mobile phones, ATM cards, international passports, and four LED flashlights.
- Financial records showing N134 million as proceeds from illegal mineral sales.
Justice Agishi convicted the defendants on a five-count charge, finding them guilty of unauthorized mining and related offenses. The court imposed a five-year prison term but allowed each to pay a N2 million fine in lieu of incarceration. Additionally, the judge ordered the forfeiture of the N134 million to the Federal Government and mandated the deportation of the four nationals to China, to be executed upon payment of fines or completion of their sentences. The EFCC confirmed the ruling on its official X account, stating, “The court also ordered their deportation and forfeiture of proceeds to the FG.”
Context: Nigeria’s Illegal Mining Crackdown
The conviction aligns with Nigeria’s intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, which costs the country an estimated $9 billion annually in lost revenue, according to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Plateau State, rich in tin, columbite, and lithium, has been a hotspot for unauthorized operations, often involving foreign nationals. The EFCC’s Mining Marshals, a specialized unit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have arrested over 300 illegal miners since March 2024, with 133 facing prosecution, per Leadership reports.
This case follows similar actions against foreign nationals. In July 2024, eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were arraigned in Abia State for illegal mining in Lokpaukwu, remanded in Kuje Prison pending trial. Earlier, in September 2024, two Chinese nationals, Zhou Miao and Shi De Quan, and a Nigerian, Udobi Cletus Chike, faced charges in Abuja for illegal coal mining in Kogi State. The recurring involvement of Chinese nationals has raised concerns about foreign exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources, with activists like Oba Omololu Afilaka calling for a comprehensive registry of mining operators to track illegal activities.
Economic and Environmental Stakes
Illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly of lithium—critical for electric vehicle batteries—has surged amid global demand. A 2024 Associated Press report noted that many mines operate illegally, often employing children and causing environmental harm through unregulated excavation and chemical use. The forfeited N134 million (approximately $80,000 at current exchange rates) underscores the financial scale of these operations, though it’s a fraction of the broader economic loss. The court’s forfeiture order aims to deter future violations by redirecting illicit gains to the government.
The environmental toll is equally severe. Illegal mining contributes to deforestation, river pollution, and soil degradation, with communities in Plateau and other states reporting contaminated water sources. The government’s “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” led by Minister Dele Alake, seeks to sanitize the sector, ensuring sustainable practices and revenue for Nigeria’s development.
Public and Legal Reactions
The sentencing has sparked varied reactions. Posts on X reflect public support for the crackdown, with @SaharaReporters and @daily_nigerian emphasizing the 20-year imprisonment, though later clarified as five years with a fine option. @trtafrika hailed the ruling as a “bold step” against illegal mining, while @enevene2003 framed it as a warning to foreign exploiters. However, some users, like @Only1Bigwoo, questioned why fines were offered, arguing for stricter penalties to deter recidivism.
Legal experts view the deportation and forfeiture as significant precedents. The EFCC’s proactive stance, including its May 9, 2025, arrest of two additional Chinese nationals and six Nigerians in Ogun State for similar offenses, signals sustained enforcement. The agency’s collaboration with international authorities may facilitate the defendants’ deportation, though logistical details remain unclear.
Broader Implications
The case highlights Nigeria’s challenge in balancing foreign investment with resource protection. While Chinese firms like Zhongshan Fucheng have faced disputes with Nigeria over assets, as seen in the 2024 presidential jet seizure, this ruling focuses on individual accountability. It also underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, as illegal mining not only deprives the government of revenue but also fuels environmental and social harm.
For investors, the ruling reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to a regulated mining sector, potentially boosting confidence in legal operators. However, the government must address systemic issues—such as lax oversight and corruption—that enable illegal activities. As Nigeria navigates its lithium boom and global mineral demand, cases like this will test its ability to safeguard its resources while fostering sustainable development.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, Leadership, Nairametrics, TheCable, Daily Trust, Associated Press, posts on X
