Justice Daniel Osiagor of Federal High Court for Ikoyi, Lagos, don order final forfeiture of property wey dem recover from Chinese and Nigerians wey dey involved for illegal mining for Ogun State to Federal Government of Nigeria.
The forfeited assets include one mining site wey dey behind Baale’s Palace for Ileposo Street, near 59 Street, Ode-Remo for Ogun State; one Toyota 4Runner SUV; two trucks wey carry plenty mica and lithium stones; and one 40-foot container wey also get plenty mica and lithium stones.
The judge make this order on Friday, May 22, 2026, after EFCC through their lawyer Bilkisu Buhari file motion seeking custody and disposal of the properties under Section 330 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and other relevant laws.
EFCC also ask court to allow them, with Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials, to sell the forfeited assets and put the money for interest-bearing account until criminal proceedings finish.
According to affidavit wey EFCC operative swear, intelligence reports show say many people, including Chinese and Nigerians, dey involved for illegal mining and trade of mineral resources, especially mica and lithium stones.
The affidavit further reveal say the syndicate dey mine and transport the minerals from different places across Nigeria to site for Ode-Remo Local Government Area of Ogun State, where dem dey sort, process, and prepare the minerals for export through Apapa Wharf and Murtala Muhammed International Airport for Ikeja, Lagos.
EFCC operatives carry out sting operation for early hours of Friday, May 9, 2025, wey lead to arrest of two Chinese wey dem suspect be kingpins and six Nigerians for the mining site.
Items wey dem recover during the operation include the Toyota SUV, three trucks wey carry plenty mica and lithium stones, and one 40-foot container wey get 3,210 bags of mineral resources.
The affidavit also say the properties dey at risk of rapid deterioration because of rainy season and dey lose economic value. The principal actors wey dey involved for the illegal activities don already face court for charges relating to unauthorised dealing in mineral resources.
After review of affidavit evidence and submissions by EFCC, Justice Osiagor grant the application and order final forfeiture and disposal of the assets. The judge also direct say dem go pay the proceeds into interest-bearing account pending criminal trial of the defendants.
