A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday ordered the final forfeiture of a mining site, a Toyota 4Runner SUV, two trucks and a 40-foot container recovered in an illegal mining case in Ogun State to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Justice Daniel Osiagor gave the order after a motion by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, filed through counsel Bilkisu Buhari. The EFCC sought custody and disposal of the assets under Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and asked that the proceeds be placed in an interest-bearing account until the criminal case is concluded.
The forfeited property includes a mining site 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 holding large quantities of the same minerals. The commission also said the assets should be disposed of with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials.
An EFCC operative told the court in an affidavit that Chinese and Nigerian suspects were involved in mining and trading mica and lithium stones, with the minerals moved from locations across Nigeria to Ode-Remo for sorting, processing and preparation for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos. The affidavit said the property was at risk of rapid deterioration because of the rainy season and was already losing economic value.
EFCC operatives raided the site in the early hours of Friday, May 9, 2025, and arrested two Chinese alleged kingpins and six Nigerians. Items recovered in that sting operation included a Toyota SUV, three trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container holding 3,210 bags of mineral resources. The principal actors have already been arraigned on charges tied to unauthorised dealing in mineral resources, and Friday’s ruling clears the way for the government to take control of the assets while the criminal proceedings continue.
