Two Chinese Nationals Sentenced for Illegal Mining in Lagos

The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, sentenced two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei, to five years imprisonment for conspiracy and illegal mining of solid minerals. They were arraigned before Justice Akintayo Aluko on a five-count charge related to conspiracy and unlawful possession of mineral resources intended for export without lawful authority.

The charges included engaging in the exportation of mica products and other minerals without permission from the appropriate authorities, violating the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983. Both defendants pleaded guilty, leading to the prosecution counsel, H.U.

Kofarnaisa, presenting evidence and urging for conviction. Justice Aluko found them guilty on all counts, sentencing each to five years’ imprisonment per count, with an option of a N50 million fine for all counts.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture of the recovered mineral resources to the Federal Government of Nigeria.