A civil rights group, Citizens Awareness Against Corruption and Social Vices Initiative (CAACASVI), has asked Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to step in and stop government agents from interfering in the court case of some alleged illegal miners.

The group claims that certain government officials are trying to obstruct the prosecution of one Ali Tanko, linked to Daymay Global Limited, who is accused of mining unlawfully.

In a petition dated June 25, 2025, and submitted the next day, CAACASVI warned that the alleged interference could harm Nigeria’s justice system and weaken the rule of law.

Although the petition didn’t name specific individuals, CAACASVI wants the NSA to ensure that the Mining Marshals keep all the evidence intact and ready for court, in order to allow justice to take its full course.

According to the group, “We believe in your commitment to justice and national security. Nigeria can only grow if its institutions remain strong and free from pressure.”

The petition was signed by CAACASVI’s Executive Director, Onlede Muyiwa. He promised the group would keep a close watch on the trial and quickly react if anyone tried to destroy or hide evidence.

They warned that any such actions would trigger mass protests and public exposure of those responsible, to make sure justice is not derailed.

The group stated that disrupting a legal court process not only hurts the justice system, but also threatens national security and discourages investment in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

They explained that this problem began when a company, Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd, reported illegal mining on their licensed land in September 2024.

The company told the NSCDC (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) that some individuals were mining without permission on their lands covered by mining titles 036868-SSML and 037075-SSML.

After an investigation by the Mining Marshals (a unit of NSCDC), it was found that Ali Tanko and others were mining illegally on the land owned by Apex Synergy.

A separate investigation by the Ministry of Solid Minerals also confirmed the illegal activities, and the miners were told to leave the site, but they refused.

The disputed mining site is located in Rafin-Gabas, within the Agwada Development Area of Nasarawa State. The land legally belongs to Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Limited, which has the official mining titles.

However, the group says that Mr. Ali Tanko continues to mine on that land without a valid license, despite several official complaints by the rightful owner.

They also revealed that some powerful individuals are allegedly using their positions to stop the court case, hide evidence, and protect Mr. Tanko from being punished.

The group stressed that illegal mining has long cost Nigeria billions of naira, which is why the government created the Mining Marshals under the NSCDC.

These Marshals—about 2,220 of them—were deployed across Nigeria in March 2024 to fight illegal mining and protect licensed companies.

Since their arrival, mining activities have become more organized and safe for investors, and illegal mining has dropped significantly.

Illegal operations once made up to 90% of mining in some areas and were linked to insecurity like bandit attacks and community clashes. But the Marshals’ work is helping to change that.

Reforms and regulation efforts are also encouraging more artisanal miners to form cooperatives, while mineral production is gradually improving.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, mining and related activities added N1.39 trillion to Nigeria’s economy in 2024—about 6.87% of the GDP. That’s an improvement over 2023 when it was 6.47%, although the value in naira dropped due to market factors.

This growth shows that the sector is recovering, partly due to reforms and the work of the Mining Marshals.

The group reminded the NSA that just recently, on June 25, 2025, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, said the mining sector had attracted $800 million in direct foreign investments.

The Minister also warned illegal miners and their sponsors to stop undermining the work of the Marshals, whom he praised as honest and hardworking.

CAACASVI ended by repeating that tampering with the justice process in this case is dangerous for Nigeria’s peace, economic development, and investor trust. They urged the NSA to act quickly to protect the rule of law.