An anti-graft civic organisation, the Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CAACASVI), has petitioned the Office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, urging it to stop alleged executive interference in the judicial process and prosecution of illegal miners.
The anti-corruption group said the illegal miners were arrested and indicted by the Mining Marshals unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for mining illegally on a site in Rafin-Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The petition which was made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja was signed by CAACASVI’s Executive Director, Mr Olumuyiwa Onlede.
The group alleged that despite overwhelming evidence, including confessional statements and independent investigations by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, certain executive agents are attempting to frustrate the ongoing judicial process.
The petition highlighted the importance of the Mining Marshals unit in curbing illegal mining activities and promoting sustainability in the sector.
The unit, established in March 2024, has reportedly reduced illegal mining activities and improved investor confidence.
The group urged the NSA to initiate an urgent investigation into the alleged interference, protect judicial officers and court records, and direct relevant security agencies to enforce due process and compliance with valid mining leases.
CAACASVI also called on the NSA to prevent further illegal mining activities by unlicensed individuals in the disputed area pending the determination of the case before the court.
The petition was copied to several high-ranking officials, including the Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC.
The petition reads, “On 13th September, 2024, Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd filed a petition with the Commandant-General, NSCDC, alleging some persons were mining illegally within the areas covered by their Mineral Title 036868-SSML and 037075- SSML respectively, and requested for intervention.
“It is important to note that after investigations by the Mining Marshals unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) the aforementioned Ali Tanko and his accomplices were indicted, as illegal miners on the portion of the Complainant’s mineral title area.
“Hence, the need for prosecution and their subsequent arraignment by the Mining Marshals in the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. It has come to our attention that the individual named Mr. Ali Tanko, who holds no valid or subsisting mining lease over the said area, has continued to encroach upon and carry out mining activities unlawfully within the licensed boundaries.
“We are alarmed by credible reports suggesting interference by certain executive agents—allegedly acting under influence from powerful individuals—aimed at frustrating the ongoing judicial process. This includes attempted withdrawal of case, tampering with evidence, and attempts to suppress law enforcement actions directed at halting the illegal operations of Mr. Ali Tanko.
“In light of the foregoing, we respectfully urge your office to: initiate an urgent investigation into the alleged interference and identify those behind attempts to frustrate the legal process. Ensure protection for judicial officers, investigators, and court records/evidence related to the matter. Direct relevant security and regulatory agencies to enforce due process and compliance with valid mining leases, particularly in respect of ML Nos. 036868 and 037075. Prevent further illegal mining activity by unlicensed individuals, especially in the disputed area pending the determination of the case before the court. We also respectfully pray that you instruct Mining Marshals to secure and preserve all evidence related to illegal mining activities, ensuring the integrity and availability for use in the impending prosecution, thereby upholding the rule of law and justice.”