A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of an illegal mining site in Ogun State, alongside vehicles and mineral resources recovered from suspected illegal miners, to the Federal Government.

Justice Daniel Osiagor gave the ruling at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi after an application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission through its Lagos Zonal Directorate 1.

The forfeited assets include a mining site located behind the Baale’s Palace on Ileposo Street in Ode-Remo, Ogun State, a Toyota 4Runner SUV, two trucks loaded with mica and lithium stones, and a 40-foot container carrying large quantities of the minerals.

According to Channels Television, the EFCC sought the court’s approval to take custody of the assets and dispose of them under provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

The anti-graft agency also requested permission to work with the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency and court officials to dispose of the assets and keep the proceeds in an interest-bearing account pending the conclusion of the criminal trial.

Court documents revealed that intelligence reports linked several Chinese nationals and Nigerians to illegal mining and mineral trading operations involving mica and lithium stones.

The affidavit filed by the commission stated that the syndicate allegedly transported minerals from different parts of Nigeria to a processing site in Ode-Remo before preparing them for export through Apapa Wharf and the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

EFCC operatives reportedly carried out a sting operation on May 9, 2025, leading to the arrest of two Chinese suspects said to be kingpins and six Nigerians at the mining location.

Recovered items included the Toyota SUV, three trucks containing mineral resources, and a 40-foot container loaded with 3,210 bags of mica and lithium stones.

The commission told the court that the seized materials were at risk of deterioration during the rainy season and could lose economic value if left unattended.

After reviewing the evidence presented, Justice Osiagor granted the final forfeiture order and directed that proceeds from the disposal of the assets be paid into an interest-bearing account while prosecution of the suspects continues.

Channels Television reported that the suspects had already been arraigned on charges related to unauthorised dealings in mineral resources.