EFCC secures final forfeiture of illegal mining site, trucks in Ogun
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured an order of final forfeiture of assets recovered from suspected illegal mining operations involving Chinese nationals and Nigerians in Ogun State to the Federal Government.
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, granted the order on Friday, May 22, 2026.
The forfeited assets include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street, adjacent to 59 Street, Ode-Remo in Ogun State, as well as a Toyota 4Runner SUV with registration number AWE 261 AE.
Also forfeited are two trucks loaded with substantial quantities of mica and lithium stones, alongside a 40-foot container containing large quantities of the minerals.
The order followed an application filed by the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 through counsel Bilkisu Buhari, seeking custody and disposal of the seized properties under Section 330 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and other relevant provisions of the law.
The commission also sought authorisation to dispose of the assets in collaboration with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials, with proceeds to be kept in an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
In an affidavit before the court, an EFCC operative linked several suspects, including Chinese and Nigerian nationals, to illegal mining and trafficking of mica and lithium stones across various locations in Nigeria.
After reviewing the submissions, Justice Osiagor granted the application and ordered the final forfeiture and disposal of the assets, directing that proceeds be preserved in an interest-bearing account pending trial.
