Two Chinese Nationals Jailed for Illegal Mineral Export

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, to 25 years’ imprisonment each for conspiring to illegally export Nigeria’s mineral resources. They were convicted on all five counts against them, with an option of a N10 million fine for each count.

The sentences are to commence from the date of their arrest. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all mineral resources involved in the case to the Federal Government.

The defendants were charged alongside Gao Pei Yu, who remains at large, with conspiracy, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of strategic minerals without lawful authority. The charges, filed on May 28, 2025, included attempts to export mica products and lithium-bearing minerals without proper approval, violating the Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983.

Justice Aluko found the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against the two convicted individuals.