The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos for alleged conspiracy, illegal mining, and unlawful possession of lithium and other mineral resources.
The arraignment took place on Wednesday before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.
The EFCC was represented by Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, alongside Chineye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa.
According to the prosecution, the two defendants, along with another individual identified as Gao Pei Yu—currently at large—committed the offences in May 2025.
They were accused of conspiring to defraud the Nigerian government by engaging in the exportation of mineral resources without proper authorization.
The minerals involved include mica products, copper-bearing and lithium-bearing mineral resources.
The defendants were also allegedly found in possession of materials labeled T-12078LA (muscovite and leidolite), LSR585XD (spodumene and petalite), LSR585XD (anhydrite, quartz, magnesite, bornite, and cuprite), and APP379XW (spodumene and petalite ores), all intended for export.
The EFCC stated that the defendants’ actions violated Sections 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983, and are punishable under Section 8 of the same Act.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested that the defendants be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Services facility and that a trial date be set. However, defence counsel Jeremiah Okoro asked the court to allow the defendants remain in EFCC custody while he prepares a bail application.
Justice Aneke ruled that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 4, 2025, for trial.
The charges include allegations of conspiracy and unlawful possession of mineral resources for export without the appropriate government approval, involving various mineral types including lithium, mica, and copper derivatives.
