A legal confrontation is unfolding between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over alleged illegal mining activities in Rafin Gabbas, Agwada town, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The dispute, now before the Federal High Court in Abuja, stems from conflicting claims over the handling of a controversial mining site reportedly linked to serious crimes including culpable homicide, trafficking of underage children for forced labour, and obstruction of justice.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/901/2025, the police accuse the Commander of the NSCDC’s Mining Marshal, John Onoja, of aiding and shielding illegal mining operations allegedly carried out by two firms—Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd and Nizhong Mining Company Ltd.
An affidavit submitted by Gregory Woje on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police stated that the Force had received four petitions—two from traditional rulers and two from legal practitioners—alleging widespread illegal mining and deaths resulting from unsafe practices at the site.
The police claim that underage children trafficked from various northern states were being used as mine labourers, kept working for long hours under dangerous conditions and allegedly drugged to endure the stress.
“These underage children are being fed hard drugs to keep them working tirelessly. Many of them have died and are buried in secrecy. Villagers who attempt to report these crimes are often silenced—either killed or maimed. The entire community now lives in fear, unable to go to their farms,” the affidavit read.
The police also allege that NSCDC personnel previously arrested during the investigation were released without due process.
Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling dated May 20, 2025, issued a restraining order barring Onoja and his team from interfering with the site or conducting further operations there, pending the outcome of the investigation.
