A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of a mining site, vehicles, and large quantities of mineral resources linked to an illegal mining syndicate involving Chinese nationals and Nigerians in Ogun State.

Justice Daniel Osiagor granted the order on May 22, 2026, following an application by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The forfeited assets include a mining site in Ode-Remo, Ogun State; a Toyota 4Runner SUV (registration AWE 261 AE); two trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones; and a 40-foot container holding 3,210 bags of the same minerals.

The EFCC told the court the syndicate mined minerals from various locations nationwide and transported them to the Ode-Remo site for sorting, processing, and export through Apapa Wharf and Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Justice Osiagor also authorised the EFCC, in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency, to dispose of the assets and deposit proceeds into an interest-bearing account pending the criminal trial.

EFCC operatives had raided the site in the early hours of May 9, 2025, arresting two Chinese nationals – Zhang Hang Lin and Gao Pei Hai – and six Nigerians.

Commission spokesman, Dele Oyewale said the operation followed credible intelligence and detailed surveillance.

All eight suspects have since been arraigned. On June 4, 2025, Zhang and Gao appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the same court, pleading not guilty to a five-count charge including conspiracy and unlawful export of mineral resources.

The charge sheet said they acted “with intent to defraud the Federal Government of Nigeria of the revenue accruing therefrom.” A third suspect, Gao Pei Yu, remains at large.

Justice Aneke remanded the two Chinese nationals in a correctional centre and adjourned the matter to July 4, 2025, for trial commencement.

Justice Osiagor noted in his ruling that the seized assets were at risk of rapid deterioration due to the rainy season and were already losing economic value.

The forfeiture proceedings were brought under Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.