A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of an illegal mining site, trucks loaded with mineral resources, lithium stones and other assets linked to alleged illegal mining activities in Ogun State to the Federal Government.

Justice Daniel Osiagor gave the order on May 22, 2026, following an application filed by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

According to the EFCC, the assets were recovered from Chinese nationals and Nigerians accused of engaging in unlawful mining operations and the illegal trade in mineral resources.

“The forfeited assets include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, adjacent to 59 Street, Ode-Remo, Ogun State; a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE; two trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones; and a 40-foot container containing large quantities of the same minerals,” EFCC said.  

The anti-graft agency approached the court through its counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, seeking approval for the custody and disposal of the recovered properties in line with relevant provisions of the law.

EFCC also requested permission to work with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials to dispose of the assets and keep the proceeds in an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal trial.

An affidavit filed by an EFCC operative stated that intelligence reports uncovered the activities of a syndicate made up of Chinese nationals and Nigerians allegedly involved in the illegal mining and trading of mica and lithium stones.

Findings showed that the suspects allegedly transported the minerals from different locations nationwide to a processing site in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, before packaging them for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

The court was informed that EFCC operatives carried out a sting operation at the site on May 9, 2025, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals believed to be key figures in the operation and six Nigerian suspects.

Items recovered during the raid included the Toyota 4Runner SUV, three trucks loaded with mineral resources and a 40-foot container containing 3,210 bags of mica and lithium stones.

The commission further stated that the recovered assets were at risk of deterioration due to the rainy season and had begun losing economic value.

It also noted that the principal suspects had already been arraigned before the court on charges related to the unauthorised mining and trade of mineral resources.

After considering the evidence presented by the EFCC, Justice Osiagor granted the application and ordered the final forfeiture and disposal of the assets.

The court also directed that proceeds from the disposal of the forfeited properties be paid into an interest-bearing account pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

The Nigeria Police Force said it has, through the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, FID-IRT, arrested one John Cosmos Govi, over his involvement in a case of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft involving the robbery of luxury items and valuables from a residence in Abuja.

A statement signed by DCP Anthony Okon Placid said that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef within the residence after establishing contact with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, both currently at large.

It said that findings indicate that the suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation on 23rd April 2026.

The police said further investigations established that food prepared within the residence was laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel. 

“After the substance took effect, the suspect facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence, where the gang vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and carted away cash alongside twenty luxury wristwatches valued at approximately One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira,” the statement read. 

It added that operatives of the FID-IRT subsequently intercepted the suspects while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route Lagos. 

“During the operation, an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim was recovered alongside a suspected chemical substance, which has since been forwarded for forensic analysis.”

The Nigeria Police Force said that it remains committed to combating criminal activities and ensuring that all persons involved in organised crimes are brought to justice.

Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army’s Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have neutralised two suspected armed bandits during a tactical operation in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation, conducted on May 24, 2026, followed credible intelligence reports of gunshots heard in a forest near the “Welcome to Donga” signpost in Akate District.

According to a statement issued on Monday by Lieutenant Umar Muhammad, acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, troops swiftly mobilised to the area and carried out a tactical raid on the suspected hideout.

The statement said the troops encountered armed assailants upon arrival, leading to a gun duel during which two of the suspected criminals were neutralised.

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two AK-47 magazines, two mobile phones, and other personal belongings.

Commander of 6 Brigade, Brigadier General Chukwuemeka Michael Akaliro, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response during the operation.

He urged the soldiers to sustain the ongoing operational tempo in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to rid the state of criminal activities.

Akaliro also stated that the military’s reward and sanction policy would apply to the troops involved in the successful mission. He reassured residents of Taraba State of the army’s commitment to maintaining pressure on criminal elements until peace and security are fully restored across the state.