The Federal Government, through the Mining Marshals, has arraigned Alhaji Kolawole Olaiya and his company, Stone Rockers Nigeria Limited, before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged illegal mining activities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The defendants were charged for unlawfully conducting mining operations within Mining Lease No. 000395ML, a title legally held by Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited.
Following a comprehensive investigation, the Mining Marshals deployed advanced geo-spatial verification techniques to establish the precise location of the alleged illegal operations. This included the capture of GPS-enabled photographic evidence and validation of coordinates using official cadastral data from the Mining Cadastre Office, Abuja.
Findings confirmed that the defendants’ activities occurred within the legally protected mineral title area of the complainant. Evidence further indicates that the defendants continued operations despite multiple notifications to vacate the site, demonstrating clear disregard for regulatory compliance.
A formal confirmation issued by the Mining Cadastre Office on January 23, 2026, corroborated the locus of the offence. Consequently, the site, along with all equipment found therein, has been secured and designated as a crime scene pending the conclusion of legal proceedings.
The defendants are currently facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful mining, contrary to the provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The offences are alleged to have been committed between October 2024 and July 30, 2025.
At the arraignment before Justice Emeka Nwite, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Speaking after the proceedings, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to combating illegal mining.
He described the case as reflective of a broader pattern of unlawful encroachment that threatens legitimate operators and undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s mining sector.
He emphasized that enforcement actions will continue to be intensified in line with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ core mandate to safeguard mineral assets, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen investor confidence in the sector.
The Honourable Court has adjourned the matter to April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial.
The Mining Marshals remain resolute in ensuring that all mining activities in Nigeria are conducted strictly in accordance with the law as this has been the cardinal focus the CG NSCDC Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
