Court Jails Two Chinese Nationals In Lagos Illegal-Mining Case

A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, to five years in prison each for illegal mining and unlawful possession of mineral resources meant for export.

Justice Akintayo Aluko convicted the two men after they pleaded guilty to five counts filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The court gave each defendant an option of a N50 million fine covering all five counts.

The EFCC said the case involved conspiracy and mineral resources intended for export without lawful authority. Premium Times reported that the minerals included mica, copper-bearing and lithium-bearing materials.

Daily Post reported that prosecution counsel H.U. Kofarnaisa called investigating officer Matthew Orogwu to review the facts of the case and tender documentary evidence before asking the court to convict and sentence the defendants.

The court also ordered the recovered mineral resources forfeited to the Federal Government. Premium Times reported that a third defendant, Gao Pei Yu, named in the charge, is still at large.

Sources: Daily Post, Premium Times