RismadarVoice Reporters
November 13, 2026
The Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has reportedly convicted two individuals and a mining company over the unlawful possession and transportation of solid minerals, ordering the forfeiture of 58.23 tonnes of lithium and lead ore to the Federal Government.
Justice Abimbola Awogboro delivered the judgments in two separate cases prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the account of the proceedings, the defendants were Abdullahi Dauda, Great River Mining Company Limited and Mohammed Aminu, a truck driver.
The cases involved 18 tonnes of lithium and 40.23 tonnes of lead ore allegedly transported without lawful authorisation in February 2026.
In the first case, Dauda was accused of unlawfully possessing 18 tonnes of minerals conveyed in a truck with registration number SKK-93-XB.
The charge was reportedly brought under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
In the second case, Great River Mining Company Limited and Aminu faced charges relating to the possession of 40.23 tonnes of lead ore allegedly connected with illegal mining activities.
The prosecution relied on provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
All the defendants reportedly pleaded guilty to their respective charges.
Following the pleas, EFCC prosecutors Innocent Mbachie and Mustapha Kaigama asked the court to convict and sentence the defendants.
Justice Awogboro reportedly sentenced Dauda to 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦1 million fine.
The court also directed the owner of the truck used to transport the lithium to pay ₦5 million into the EFCC Recovery Account.
The 18 tonnes of lithium were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.
In the second case, the court reportedly imposed 12-month sentences on Aminu and Great River Mining Company Limited, with an option of a ₦1 million fine for each defendant.
The judge also ordered the owner of the truck conveying the lead ore to pay ₦5 million into the EFCC Recovery Account.
The 40.23 tonnes of lead ore were similarly ordered forfeited.
The reported forfeiture brings the combined quantity of minerals involved in the two cases to 58.23 tonnes.
The judgments highlight the legal consequences of unauthorised possession and transportation of mineral resources in Nigeria.
However, independent confirmation of the specific defendants, company and forfeiture quantities in these two cases remains outstanding.
