The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, arraigned two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Zhao Pei Hai, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of illegal possession and exportation of mineral resources.
The suspects face a five-count charge, including conspiracy and unlawful export of mica, copper-bearing, and lithium-bearing mineral resources without authorization, allegedly defrauding the Nigerian government of due revenue. The offence is said to contravene Section 8(a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983.
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Prosecution counsel Bilkisu Buhari, alongside C.C. Okezie and H.U. Kofarnaisa, requested a trial date and their remand in a correctional facility. Defence counsel sought custody in the EFCC’s facility pending a bail hearing, but Justice Aneke denied the application, ordering their remand in a correctional centre.
The court adjourned the trial to July 4, 2025.
