Alleged illegal mining: Court adjourns case against 8 Chinese, others

The Federal High Court successful Abuja, connected Wednesday, adjourned the proceedings of 8 Chinese nationals and 2 others implicit allegations bordering connected amerciable mining until April 21.

Justice James Omotosho adjourned the substance pursuing an oral exertion for adjournment by the defence lawyer, Joe Agi, SAN, and which was not reason by the prosecuting counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN.

When the lawsuit was called, Agi informed the tribunal that helium would not beryllium capable to proceed with the proceedings owed to the lack of their 1st defence witnesser (DW-1) successful court.

The lawyer said the DW-1 was indisposed and could not travelled down to Abuja from Lagos State.

Responding, Adedipe did not entity to the application.

“If it is connected aesculapian ground, we are not objecting my lord,” helium said.

Justice Omotosho consequently adjourned the substance until April 21 for continuation of hearing.

The defendants are being prosecuted by the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, connected three-count charge.

The Chinese nationals are Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Le Peiyin, Que Wenyong arsenic 1st to 8th defendants respectively.

While Hiyk Edward Desmond, a Nigerian, is the 9th defendant, Wanda Quarry Company Limited is the 10th suspect successful the charge.

Recall that aft the prosecution closed its case, the defendants opted for a no-case submission.

But successful a ruling, the...