NSCDC Lists 9 Facts Against Police Over Illegal Mining in Nasarawa
A day after an exclusive report by PRNigeria on interagency rivalry over the protection of mining sites, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has petitioned the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, accusing the Nigeria Police of obstructing the prosecution of illegal miners arrested in Rafin Gabas, Nasarawa State.
The petition, sighted by PRNigeria and copied to key government officials—including the Ministers of Interior, Solid Minerals, and Police Affairs, as well as the Chairman of the Police Service Commission—is dated June 2, 2025, with reference No: NSCDC/NHQ/CG/MM/Vol.6/001/2025.
Signed by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, the petition alleges that officers of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), led by CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, invaded the mining site, assaulted and arrested NSCDC personnel, and interfered with legal proceedings. The arrested miners, including Chinese nationals, reportedly confessed to operating without licenses since 2021 and are currently facing trial in Abuja.
The NSCDC further claims that the Police obtained a court order based on false information, using it to disrupt its operations. The petition also alleges that CSP Abdulmajeed attempted to coerce detained NSCDC officers into implicating their commander and threatened military bombardment of the secured site.
Key Allegations Against the Police
- The arrest of Illegal Miners at Rafin Gabas: The NSCDC Mining Marshals arrested Ali Tanko and Chinese nationals on October 25, 2024, for operating an illegal mining site without a valid license. The suspects admitted to illegal mining activities since 2021 and were charged after signing confessional statements recorded on video in the presence of their legal representatives.
- Federal Charges Pending in Court: Two criminal cases—FHC/ABJ/CR/577/2024 and FHC/ABJ/CR/131/2025—were filed against the suspects at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The NSCDC has maintained a presence at the crime scene to secure evidence pending the conclusion of the trials.
- NSCDC Secured Site After Military Withdrawal
Following an official military withdrawal on March 26, 2025, the NSCDC assumed control of the location to secure the crime scene after confirming the site’s illegal status.
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- Armed Invasion and Assault by Police: The NSCDC alleges that officers from FID, led by CSP Abdulmajeed Abisoye Oyewumi, stormed the site on April 3 and April 8, 2025, opened fire on NSCDC operatives, arrested four officers, and seized their rifles and personal belongings.
- Lack of Police Accountability for Assault: Despite reported incidents of unprovoked police shootings at NSCDC personnel—including a similar event in Ondo State—the Inspector General of Police (IGP) allegedly refused to investigate attempted murder claims against the officers involved.
- Police Allegedly Shielding Illegal Miners: The NSCDC accuses the Police of protecting the interests of illegal miners under prosecution, using fabricated community complaints and misleading investigations to disrupt legal proceedings and undermine NSCDC operations.
- Fraudulent Court Order Secured by Police: On May 20, 2025, the Police obtained an ex parte order from the Federal High Court, falsely accusing the NSCDC of engaging in illegal mining. The Corps argues that the order was secured fraudulently and has filed a counter-application to have it nullified.
- Intimidation and Coercion Attempts by Police: The petition alleges that CSP Abdulmajeed pressured detained NSCDC officers to falsely implicate their commander, Attah John Onoja, in illegal activities—an alleged attempt to destabilize NSCDC leadership.
- Threat of Military Bombardment: On May 29, 2025, CSP Abdulmajeed allegedly returned to the site with armed soldiers, threatening a military bombardment of the NSCDC-guarded mining site. The Nigerian Army has since denied authorizing any deployment, raising concerns over who ordered the mobilization of troops.
NSCDC’s Requests to the Senate
The NSCDC is urging the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions to:
- Hold a public hearing to investigate the Police’s role in obstructing justice.
- Summon the IGP and senior police officers to explain their actions.
- Recommend disciplinary measures against officers sabotaging the prosecution of illegal mining cases.
- Scrutinize the legality of the Police’s actions and halt further interference in NSCDC operations.
PRNigeria notes that this petition highlights escalating inter-agency tensions, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
By PRNigeria
