Investigations, criminal prosecution still ongoing in Stone Rockers quarry– NSCDC Mining Marshals

Nigerian Government Shuts Down Quarry Site Amid Criminal Investigation

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the closure of the Stone Rockers quarry site in Abuja, labeling it a crime scene in an ongoing investigation. This decision follows allegations of illegal mining activities linked to the quarry.

The Mining Marshals, led by Assistant Commandant of Corps Attah Onoja, stated that the site will remain closed until the related case is resolved in the Federal High Court. This announcement came after Stone Rockers petitioned President Bola Tinubu and other government officials regarding the 13-month halt in operations, claiming the shutdown was unlawful and lacked a court order.

Onoja emphasized that the quarry was not closed due to administrative discipline but because it is the locus criminis — the place where the crime occurred — related to the ongoing legal proceedings. Stone Rockers and its director, Kolawole Olaiya, are facing trial in Charge No. FHC/ABM/VR/338/2026 for allegedly conducting illegal mining within a mineral title area owned by Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited.

The Commander noted that the prosecution stemmed from a series of petitions submitted by Lord’s Career Ventures over more than a year. These petitions were referred to the Mining Marshals by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the Minister of Interior for investigation and prosecution.

Investigators arrested the defendants at coordinates identified as 7°17’24″E and 8°52’11″N, which were found to fall within Mining Lease No. 000395 ML, legally held by Lord’s Career Ventures. The agency provided a letter from the Mining Cadastre Office, dated January 23, 2026, supporting its claim that the disputed coordinates are within the licensed mining area.

The Mining Marshals intend to present substantial documentary evidence, including a letter allegedly written by a member of the defense team during the investigation. This correspondence, dated August 12, 2025, reportedly includes admissions pertinent to the ongoing case.

Onoja stated that the prosecution’s case is comprehensive and is supported by considerable evidence, which he described as compelling. He criticized attempts by the defendants to seek administrative remedies while the legal proceedings are in progress, cautioning against actions that could undermine the court’s process.

“The issues raised by the defendants are already subject to judicial proceedings,” Onoja said, asserting that the defendants have resorted to extrajudicial means to obstruct the criminal case, including their recent petition to the President, which he believes lacks merit.

The Commander urged media organizations to exercise rigorous editorial oversight to ensure that unverified claims do not influence public opinion. He emphasized the essential role of the media in the Federal Government’s reforms in the solid minerals sector and their responsibility to promote lawful mining practices.

Regarding the workers initially arrested during enforcement operations, the Mining Marshals indicated that charges had been amended to exclude them, based on their status as employees. However, recent protests involving some of these workers have prompted a reassessment of their involvement in the alleged illegal activities, with prosecutors now considering re-listing them in the criminal proceedings if warranted.

The agency also addressed claims of financial inducements affecting enforcement actions, asserting that decisions were made solely based on investigative findings. The Commander reasserted the NSCDC’s commitment to combating illegal mining and safeguarding legitimate mineral title holders, stating that external pressures would not deter the agency from enforcing the law.

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