TDJustice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, May 22, 2026, ordered the final forfeiture of assets seized from Chinese nationals and Nigerians involved in illegal mining activities in Ogun State.
The properties are now vested in the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Assets Forfeited
The forfeited items include:
- A mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, Ode-Remo, Ogun State.
- A Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE.
- Two trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones.
- A 40-foot container filled with large quantities of mica and lithium stones.
EFCC Application
The order followed a motion filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by counsel Bilkisu Buhari.
The Commission sought authority under Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, to take custody of the assets and dispose of them in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials.
Proceeds are to be deposited in an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
Background of the Sting Operation
An affidavit filed by an EFCC operative revealed that intelligence reports had linked several individuals.
These include Chinese nationals and Nigerians, to illegal mining and trade in mica and lithium.
The syndicate allegedly transported minerals from different parts of Nigeria to Ode-Remo.
There they were processed and prepared for export through Apapa Wharf and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
On May 9, 2025, EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation at the Ode-Remo site.
Two Chinese nationals, identified as alleged kingpins, and six Nigerians were arrested.
Items recovered included the Toyota SUV, three trucks loaded with minerals, and a 40-foot container containing 3,210 bags of mica and lithium stones.
Risk of Deterioration and Court’s Decision
The affidavit further noted that the seized minerals were at risk of rapid deterioration due to the rainy season, reducing their economic value.
It also confirmed that the principal actors had already been arraigned on charges of unauthorized dealing in mineral resources.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions, Justice Osiagor granted the EFCC’s application.
He ordered the final forfeiture of the assets and directed that the proceeds from their disposal be paid into an interest-bearing account until the criminal trial of the defendants is concluded.
