A legal dispute has erupted between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over an investigation into alleged illegal mining activities in Rafin Gabbas, Agwada town, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Both agencies have accused each other of misconduct and interference during the probe, escalating the matter to the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The conflict centers on a mining site linked to allegations including culpable homicide, trafficking of underage children for forced labor, and obstruction of justice.
In suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/901/2025 before Justice Emeka Nwite, the Police accused John Onoja, Commander of the NSCDC’s Mining Marshal unit, of facilitating illegal mining operations through two companies — Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd and Nizhong Mining Company Ltd.
An affidavit sworn by Gregory Woje on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police revealed that the Force received four petitions — two from traditional rulers and two from legal practitioners — accusing the operators of illegal mining and fatal accidents at the site.
The affidavit also alleged that underage children trafficked from several northern states were exploited in the mining activities, reportedly being fed hard drugs to maintain forced labor.
Many children are said to have died under hazardous conditions, with their deaths concealed from authorities.
“Underage children are being used for forced labor, administered hard drugs to keep them working relentlessly,” the affidavit stated. “Many have died and been buried secretly. Villagers who report these incidents face threats, injury, or death.
The entire community lives in fear, unable to tend to their farms.”
The Police further claimed that some NSCDC officials were detained and later released amid the ongoing investigation.
In a ruling dated May 20, 2025, Justice Nwite issued an order restraining Onoja and his team from further operations or interference at the mining site pending the conclusion of investigations.