The Nigerian government’s efforts to combat illegal mining received a significant boost on Thursday with the arraignment of some Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.
The suspects, including eight (8) Chinese nationals and one Nigerian recently apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were arraigned before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The prosecution filed a three-count, which are mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among others.
The defendants are SHEN YONGCHAN, MO BAIXIAN, XIAO BIN, HUANG XU FA, MA BINGLI, YANG JIAN, LI PEIYIN, QUE WENYONG, HIYK EDWARD DESMOND, and WANDA COMPANY LIMITED.
Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, the defendants were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned…