Federal Govt Arraigns Olaiya, Firm Over Illegal Mining

The federal government has arraigned one Alhaji Kolawole Olaiya and his firm, Stone Rockers Nigeria Limited, before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged illegal mining activities within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The defendants were docked on allegations of unlawfully mining within Mining Lease No. 000395ML, said to be legally held by Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited.

According to findings by the Mining Marshals’ investigative team, the arrest followed a detailed probe which included geo-spatial verification of the alleged illegal mining site. Investigators reportedly captured GPS-enabled photographic evidence and cross-checked the coordinates using official cadastral records maintained by the Mining Cadastre Office in Abuja.

The team further disclosed that the verification process confirmed that the activities of the defendants occurred squarely within the complainant’s licensed mineral title area. It also alleged that the defendants acted with full knowledge of the illegality of their operations, having been repeatedly notified by the title holder to vacate the site—requests they allegedly ignored.

Investigators added that a formal confirmation from the Mining Cadastre Office dated January 23, 2026, established the locus of the alleged offence within the complainant’s valid leasehold.

Consequently, the site was sealed off as a crime scene, alongside equipment found on the premises, pending prosecution.

Court documents obtained showed that the defendants are facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful mining. The prosecution alleges that between October 2024 and July 30, 2025, the defendants conspired to mine minerals within the said lease area without lawful authority, contrary to provisions of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

In a related count, they were accused of carrying out actual mining operations within the same cadastral area without authorisation, an offence punishable under the same statute.

Speaking to journalists after the arraignment, the commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, described the alleged actions of the defendants as emblematic of a growing trend of illegal encroachment in the mining sector.

He noted that such practices, often perpetrated by non-compliant operators, undermine lawful mineral title holders and threaten the integrity of the regulatory framework governing Nigeria’s extractive industry.

Onoja stressed that the federal government remained committed to stamping out illegal mining and enforcing compliance with extant laws, as part of broader efforts to sanitise the sector and enhance investor confidence – this he said is a cardinal focus of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ core mandate.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were arraigned before Justice Emeka Nwite. The court subsequently adjourned the matter till April 27, 2026, for commencement of trial.