Metro
15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerians docked over alleged illegal Lithium mining in Nasarawa
Mining Marshals have arraigned 15 Chinese nationals, nine Nigerian citizens, and a mining company before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal lithium mining operations in Nasarawa State.
The defendants were brought before Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court, Abuja, following their arrest during a joint enforcement operation on May 16, 2026, in Kokona Local Government Area of the state.
According to court filings, the suspects were allegedly caught carrying out mining activities without lawful authorisation within a mineral-rich area covered by Exploration Licence No. 036528-EL, legally held by TIMADIX Geomin Consult Ltd.
Prosecutors alleged that the accused persons engaged in the unlawful extraction of lithium within the licensed mining zone located in Kokona, an area increasingly attracting attention due to its significant solid mineral deposits.
Court documents revealed that the defendants were charged under provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which criminalises unauthorised mining activities and other related offences.
The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/281/2026, alleged that the accused persons unlawfully undertook mining operations without the requisite approvals and licences from relevant regulatory authorities.
Under Nigerian law, illegal mining is regarded as a serious economic crime, with penalties ranging from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment, depending on the nature and gravity of the offence.
Those arraigned include Chinese nationals Liu Jiabin, Hu Yunzhong, Zhou Yinmou, Zhao Feng, Zhang Yu, Tian Shuqun, Huang Ruqian, Liu Yanliang, Yang Xiaobin, Huang Meiyun, Yuan Tao, Jia Qiuyong, Chen Menghao, Deng Peiming, and Yu Yanhai.
Also listed in the charge are nine Nigerians identified as Thankgod Sani, Abubakar Nuhu, Jonathan Akpa Sunday, Pius Favour, Agada Joshua, Sani Osu, Haruna Asambe, Elenekou Akoete Joli, and another defendant, alongside C and A International New Energy Ltd.
The arraignment marks one of the most significant crackdowns by the Mining Marshals since the federal government’s renewed campaign against illegal mining across the country.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that unregulated mining activities deprive the nation of revenue, fuel environmental degradation, and undermine legitimate operators within the sector.
Metro
Four Almajiri die after suspected food poisoning in Kano
Four Almajiri (Quranic students) have reportedly died after consuming contaminated food in Kano.
The affected students were said to be from Malam Iliyasu Mai Tsangaya, Kadage Sharifai, in Ungogo Local Government Area of Kano Metropolitan Council.
A statement by the National Chairman of the Tsangaya Media Network, Alaramma Sani Musa Nuhu, made available to newsmen in Kano, explained that the affected students were taken to Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital following the suspected food poisoning for medical attention.
Alaramma Sani Musa Nuhu stated that the students, however, reportedly died at the hospital on Sunday night, August 16.
The statement did not disclose the nature of the food consumed or the substance suspected to have caused the poisoning, leaving the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths unclear.
It further stated that the remains of the deceased were subsequently buried after approval was obtained from the District Head (Dagaci) and the area police officer.
As of press time, the police authorities were yet to issue a statement on the official circumstances surrounding the incident.
Metro
Woman allegedly steals newborn after deceiving husband over pregnancy in Kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, over the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, saying the suspect allegedly took the baby shortly after the mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth on July 23, 2025.
According to the statement, Ibrahim, a resident of Rikoto, had offered to help Muhammad fetch hot water after she delivered her baby but allegedly fled with the newborn.
Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had allegedly been under pressure over not having a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.
The command alleged that Ibrahim had deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant. After Muhammad gave birth, she allegedly took the baby and presented the child to her husband as their own.
Following sustained investigation, the suspect was arrested on August 14, 2026, while the baby was recovered and reunited with the biological mother.
The police said Ibrahim remains in custody and would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers involved in the investigation for their diligence and professionalism, particularly for ensuring the safe recovery of the child.
Metro
Osun: Police investigate death of woman found in church premises
Osun State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the death of an unidentified woman whose body was discovered on the premises of a church in the Obelewo area of Osogbo.
The woman was reportedly found with her left wrist severed. The missing body part suspected to have been taken away by unidentified individuals.
Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, noting that police detectives visited the scene after the discovery was reported.
According to the statement, preliminary findings indicated that the woman had allegedly been killed and that her left wrist was cut off and removed from the scene.
“The investigations revealed that the deceased was slaughtered and her left wrist severed and taken away by unknown persons,” Iniedu said.
The police spokesperson said investigators were yet to determine the identity of the deceased, the motive for the killing or the circumstances that led to her death.
He added that efforts were underway to identify the woman and gather further evidence that could help unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy,” Iniedu stated.
Meanwhile, the State Command’s Investigation Department has taken over the case and commenced investigations aimed at identifying those responsible and determining the motive behind the killing.
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