The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the permanent forfeiture of assets linked to illegal mining activities in Ogun State to the Federal Government.
Justice Daniel Osiagor gave the ruling after granting an application filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The assets forfeited include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street near 59 Street in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE, two trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container containing large quantities of the minerals.
The EFCC, through its lawyer Bilkisu Buhari, requested the court to approve the custody and disposal of the seized properties in line with Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and other applicable laws.
The anti-graft agency also asked the court to empower it, alongside the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials, to dispose of the assets and keep the proceeds in an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal case.
According to an affidavit filed by an EFCC operative, intelligence reports showed that a group of Chinese nationals and Nigerians were allegedly involved in illegal mining and trading of mineral resources, especially mica and lithium stones.
Investigators said the syndicate allegedly transported the minerals from different parts of the country to a processing site in Ode-Remo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The minerals were reportedly sorted and prepared for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The affidavit also revealed that EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation on May 9, 2025, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals believed to be the leaders of the operation and six Nigerians at the mining site.
Recovered items included the Toyota SUV, three trucks carrying large quantities of mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container containing 3,210 bags of mineral resources.
The EFCC informed the court that the seized items were at risk of deterioration due to the rainy season and could lose value if left unattended.
The commission further stated that the suspects involved had already been arraigned before the court over allegations bordering on illegal dealing in mineral resources.
After reviewing the evidence presented, Justice Osiagor approved the final forfeiture and ordered that proceeds from the disposal of the assets be paid into an interest-bearing account pending the determination of the criminal trial.
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