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Nigerian govt arraigns 8 Chinese nationals for illegal mining
The Federal Government on Thursday arraigned eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for alleged illegal mining at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The foreigners – Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, and the Nigerian accomplice, Hiyk Edward Desmond, were arrested by mining marshals in Lokpaukwu community, Umunneochi local government area of Abia State.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Segun Tomori, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
READ ALSO: N50m bribe: Appeal Court jails Chinese nationals six years
The mining marshal was carved out of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to rid the country’s mining sector of illegal operators.
The suspects were arraigned on a three-count charge for mining without lawful authority and obstruction of lawful mining operations, among others.
In his ruling, Justice James Omotosho ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje correctional centre in Abuja till the resumption of the trial.
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