Court jails two Chinese nationals 25 years each for illegal mineral export

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By Innocent Anaba

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Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Zhang Hong Lin and Gao Pei Hai, to 25 years’ imprisonment each for offences related to the illegal export of Nigeria’s strategic mineral resources.

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The judge found the defendants guilty on all five counts filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which included conspiracy, unlawful possession and attempted exportation of strategic minerals without lawful authority.

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Justice Aluko sentenced each defendant to 25 years’ imprisonment on each of the five counts, with an option of a ₦10 million fine on each count. He also ordered that the sentences take effect from the date of their arrest.

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In addition, the court ordered the forfeiture of all the mineral resources involved in the case to the Federal Government.

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The defendants were arraigned alongside a third suspect, Gao Pei Yu, who is currently at large.

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According to the charge filed before the court on May 28, 2025, the defendants allegedly conspired to defraud the Federal Government of revenue by attempting to export strategic mineral resources without the required authorisation.

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The prosecution alleged that the offences were committed in Lagos and contravened the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983.

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The EFCC further accused the defendants of unlawfully possessing mineral resources intended for export without lawful authority.

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The minerals listed in the charge included mica minerals such as Muscovite and Lepidolite; lithium-bearing ores including Spodumene and Petalite; and other minerals associated with copper deposits, including Bornite and Cuprite, as well as Anhydrite, Quartz and Magnesite.

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After reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution, Justice Aluko held that the EFCC had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt against the two convicted defendants and accordingly entered judgment against them.

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