Illegal mining: Eight Chinese nationals know fate July 13

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has fixed July 13 for ruling in the trial of eight Chinese nationals and two others for alleged illegal mining.

The judge fixed the date on Tuesday after the prosecution counsel, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), and the defence counsel, Oladimeji Ekengba, adopted their final written addresses and urged the court to grant their prayers.

Ekengba, while adopting his court documents, said besides their final written address, the defence filed a reply on point of law in reaction to the prosecution’s process.

The lawyer, who said the reply on point of law was filed May 11, urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendants of the charge.

Adeola, in final written address, said the application was filed on May 6.

“We adopt and urge your lordship to convict the defendants accordingly,” the senior lawyer prayed.

The Federal Government arraigned the defendants on three-count charge of illegal mining.

The Chinese nationals are – Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Le Peiyin and Que Wenyong.

Others are – Hiyk Edward Desmond, a Nigerian and Wanda Quarry Company Limited.