The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted N5m bail each to two Chinese citizens and a Nigerian over their alleged involvement in illegal mining at Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Justice Emeka Nwite, ruling on their bail application on Friday, said each must produce one surety in like sum.
The defendants, Ubobi Cletus Chike, Zhou Miao, Shi De Quan and their company, Anbaitou Mining Company Nigeria Limited, are facing a two-count of alleged conspiracy and illegal mining offences brought against them by the Federal Government.
In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/425/2024, the prosecution, Ojo Toluwatope Alex, said defendants conducted mining activities without a licence.
Ojo accused the defendants of engaging in coal mining before their arrest on August 17 by officers of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) at the mining site at IKA, off Ofugo Community in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He said the defendants committed the crime contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, LFN 2004, and punishable under the same Section.
When the charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty.
Counsel for the defendants, Faruk Yahaya, moved a motion for bail on behalf of his clients saying that they have no previous criminal record adding that they will always be available for the case.
Justice Nwite granted them bail and ordered they be remanded in NSCDC custody, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
The judge subsequently adjourned till October 14, for the commencement of trial.
