- The defendants face five counts of conspiracy
- The prosecution accused the defendants of defrauding the Federal Government
- Another Chinese national at large
On Wednesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the defendants face five counts of conspiracy, illegal mining, and unlawful possession of mineral resources, including lithium and copper. A third Chinese national, Gao Pei Yu, has also been charged but remains at large.
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The prosecution, led by Bilikisu Buhari-Bala, alongside Chinenye Okezie and Hanatu Kofanaisa, accused the defendants of defrauding the Federal Government through their involvement in unauthorized mining and exportation of mineral resources.
According to Buhari-Bala, the alleged offences occurred in May 2025 and included the illegal export of various minerals such as Mica products, copper-bearing, and lithium-bearing minerals without the necessary approvals from relevant authorities.
They were also accused of having in their possession, “T-12078LA, Muscovite and Leidolite, of Mica Minerals; LSR585XD- Spodumene and Petalite of Lithium bearing minerals; LSR585XD- Anhydrite, Quartz, Magnesite, Bornite and Cuprite of Copper and APP379XW-Spodumene and Petalite Ores of Lithium bearing for exportation purposes.
The prosecution stated that the alleged offences violate Sections 8(a) and 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983, which carry penalties under the same law. In response, the defendants, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
The prosecution requested that the court remand the defendants in a correctional centre and set a trial date. Jeremiah Okoro, the defendants’ counsel, countered by asking the court to allow his clients to remain in EFCC custody while he prepares an oral bail application.
After considering both parties’ arguments, Justice Aneke ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre. The trial has been adjourned until July 4, 2025, when the court will hear the case and address the bail application.
