A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of properties and assets connected to illegal mining activities in Ogun State to the Federal Government.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor after an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission seeking custody and disposal of the recovered items in line with relevant laws.
Assets forfeited include a mining site in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, a Toyota 4Runner SUV, trucks carrying large quantities of mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container loaded with thousands of bags of mineral resources.
The anti-graft agency explained that investigations uncovered a network involving both Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly engaged in the unlawful mining and export of valuable minerals, especially mica and lithium.
According to the commission, the minerals were reportedly sourced from different parts of the country before being transported to Ogun State for sorting and processing ahead of export through Lagos ports and the international airport.
The suspects were arrested during a raid carried out at the mining location, where several mineral-loaded vehicles and containers were recovered.
The commission also informed the court that the seized items were at risk of losing value due to weather conditions, especially the ongoing rainy season, making urgent disposal necessary.
Following the court’s approval, the EFCC, alongside relevant government agencies, was authorised to dispose of the assets, while the proceeds are to be kept in an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal case.
