A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of properties linked to illegal mining activities in Ogun State to the Federal Government.
Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the ruling on Friday after granting an application filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The assets forfeited to the government include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, near 59 Street in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE, two trucks loaded with large quantities of mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container filled with mineral resources.
The EFCC, through its counsel Bilkisu Buhari, approached the court seeking an order for the custody and disposal of the recovered properties under the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and other relevant laws.
The anti-graft agency also requested permission to work alongside the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials to dispose of the forfeited items and pay the proceeds into an interest-yielding account pending the conclusion of the criminal trial.
According to an affidavit presented by an EFCC operative, intelligence reports had uncovered a network of Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly engaged in the illegal mining and trading of mineral resources, especially mica and lithium stones.
Investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly transported the minerals from different parts of the country to a processing site in Ode-Remo Local Government Area of Ogun State. The minerals were reportedly sorted and prepared for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The affidavit further disclosed that EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation on May 9, 2025, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals believed to be the masterminds of the operation alongside six Nigerians.
During the raid, officials recovered the Toyota SUV, three trucks carrying large quantities of mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container loaded with 3,210 bags of mineral resources.
The EFCC told the court that the seized items were at risk of deterioration due to the rainy season and could lose economic value if not promptly disposed of.
The commission also informed the court that the suspects involved in the illegal mining activities had already been arraigned on charges related to the unlawful handling of mineral resources.
After reviewing the evidence and submissions presented by the EFCC, Justice Osiagor approved the final forfeiture of the assets and ordered that the proceeds from their disposal be paid into an interest-bearing account pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
