TheCable

Three Chinese nationals have been arraigned at the federal high court in Abuja over alleged illegal mining.

The defendants were arraigned on Wednesday by the federal government through the Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The defendants and their firm — Lian Hua Quarry Nigeria Limited — were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and illegal mining.

They were accused of violating sections 3(6), 1(8)(b), 43(1), (7) and 131 (a) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

Alex Ojo, the prosecution counsel, asked the court to remand the defendants pending the commencement of trial.

Ojo told the court that the defendants are a “flight risk”.

However, SM Nwosu, the defendants’ lawyer, appealed to the court to admit the Chinese nationals on bail.

In her ruling, Nkeonye Maha, the judge, granted them bail with three sureties.

The defendants were also asked to submit their passports to the registrar of the court.

The judge remanded the defendants at the Kuje correctional centre, Abuja, pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned until May 31 for hearing.