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Mining firm petitions FG over alleged invasion, theft of 12 truckloads of lithium (See document)
A registered mining company, K.M. Done Mining Limited, has petitioned the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development over the alleged forceful invasion of its licensed mining site in Saki, Oyo State, and the theft of 12 truckloads of lithium ore by West Africa New Energy Material Company Limited.
In the petition addressed to the Zonal Mines Officer, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, South-West Zonal Office, Ibadan, the company accused its rival of deploying security operatives to carry out acts of forceful entry, assault, unlawful arrest, and the ejection of its workers from the site.
The petitions, dated January 12 and 15, 2026, were written by the firm’s counsel, Y.A. Azeez (Esq.), who alleged that officials of West Africa New Energy Material Company, “in connivance with men of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and mining marshals,” invaded the site and carted away large quantities of lithium ore.
According to the petition, the first operation was allegedly carried out with seven trucks, each conveying about 35 tonnes of lithium ore belonging to K.M. Done Mining Limited.
The company said the seven trucks were later intercepted in Ilorin, Kwara State, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), leading to the arrest and detention of the trucks and their drivers.
However, it alleged that “having met brick walls in Kwara State,” the same company returned to the mining site with five additional trucks, each with a capacity of about 50 tonnes, to cart away more lithium ore.
Four of the trucks were said to have been diverted to Ogun State, where the lithium ore is allegedly being kept at the yard of M & W Transportation Company Limited, Saapade, Ode-Remo, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The remaining truck reportedly developed a mechanical fault near the Oke-Ogun Polytechnic area of Saki.
In the January 15 petition, which made reference to the earlier one, the company described the development as “disheartening,” noting that the alleged second invasion occurred on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, while investigations into the earlier incident were still ongoing.
“It is disheartening to report that while the seizure and the culprits are still being investigated, the same company forcefully re-entered our client’s mining site with compromised security operatives,” the petition stated.
The firm further alleged that it had since been barred from accessing its licensed mining site by West Africa New Energy Material Company, allegedly using policemen, soldiers, mining marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and hoodlums.
The petition also claimed that three workers of K.M. Done Mining Limited were still being detained at the Mining Marshal headquarters of the NSCDC in Abuja “for no offence,” without being charged to court or granted administrative bail.
Denying allegations of illegal mining, the company insisted that it was operating strictly within its duly allocated mining site.
“Our client is not an illegal miner. They are on the exact site allotted to them and did not encroach on anyone’s concession,” the petition read.
It added that the company had “consistently and regularly paid royalties to the coffers of the Federal Government,” describing the alleged actions of the rival firm and its collaborators as “criminality taken too far in broad daylight.”
The company urged the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to urgently intervene by notifying relevant law enforcement agencies “to ensure that the perpetrators do not go away with their criminalities.”
“As a law-abiding company, we have consistently advised our client not to resort to self-help that may lead to a breakdown of law and order,” the petition stated, while also alleging that the rival firm was parading fake documents and bribing its way through security agencies.
Efforts to get a response from West Africa New Energy Material Company Limited were unsuccessful as of press time.
The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice was presented yesterday during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the action follows Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dala said the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government (2023–2024) and his current role as deputy governor. He accused the deputy governor of diverting funds meant for the 44 local government councils.
According to the majority leader, Abdussalam allegedly received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024, totaling N462 million. Between February and July 2024, he allegedly collected N3.255 million monthly from each council under the guise of special assignments, amounting to N726 million.
Dala also accused the deputy governor of abuse of office, claiming he facilitated payments of N10 million from each council to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in violation of state procurement laws.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and undermines public trust,” Dala told lawmakers, adding that the allegations amount to gross misconduct under the Constitution.
The impeachment notice was reportedly endorsed by 38 lawmakers, meeting the constitutional threshold to proceed. The Speaker has acknowledged receipt, and the House is expected to serve the allegations on the deputy governor.
If approved, a panel may be constituted by the state Chief Judge to investigate the claims.
As of filing, Abdussalam had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Wednesday inaugurated a seven-member committee on the establishment of state police, giving it four weeks to submit its report.
The inauguration was held during his maiden conference with senior police officers at the Peacekeeping Conference Centre, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Charging members of the panel to discharge their duties with professionalism and objectivity, Disu described the assignment as “both significant and timely,” noting that it would shape the framework through which state policing may operate in Nigeria.
“In carrying out this assignment, your deliberations must be guided by professionalism, objectivity, and a clear appreciation of the unique complexities of policing a diverse nation such as our own,” the IGP said.
He stated that if properly designed and effectively implemented, state policing holds significant potential benefits for the country.
“By bringing law enforcement closer to communities, state police institutions can deepen local knowledge of security dynamics and enable quicker and more targeted responses to emerging threats,” he added.
The committee is expected to review existing policing models within and outside Nigeria, assess community security needs and emerging risks, and propose an operational framework for the establishment and coordination of state police structures.
It will also address issues relating to recruitment, training, standards and resource allocation, as well as develop accountability and oversight mechanisms to ensure professionalism and public trust.
The panel is chaired by Olu Ogunsakin, with Bode Ojajuni as secretary. Other members are Emmanuel Ojukwu, Okebechi Agora, Suleyman Gulma, Ikechukwu Okafor and Tolulope Ipinmisho.
Disu said the committee had about four weeks to conclude its assignment and submit a comprehensive report.
The move marks one of the first major steps taken by the new police chief since his appointment and confirmation a few days ago.
The development comes amid rising security concerns across the country, with several stakeholders advocating state policing as part of measures to tackle insecurity.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier asked the National Assembly to commence the process of amending relevant laws to pave the way for the creation of state police.
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in Olatunji Disu as the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).
Disu took the oath of office at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
The President also administered the oath of office to six commissioners of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) and two commissioners of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC).
The ceremonies were witnessed by ministers, senior government officials and family members of the appointees.
The council meeting began shortly after the swearing-in.
In attendance were Vice President Kashim Shettima; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs EsthMrs.Walson-Jack.
Disu was appointed acting IGP on February 25, 2026, by President Tinubu, following the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun.
His appointment was subsequently endorsed by the Nigeria Police Council (NPC).
The former Assistant Inspector-General of Police assumed office last Wednesday.
He previously served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, after his promotion to the rank last year.
A former head of the Lagos Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Disu has pledged to deliver accountable, modern and professional policing.
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