NSCDC defends 13-month closure of Abuja quarry, says site is crime scene

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps Mining Marshals have defended the ongoing closure of the Stone Rockers quarry site in Abuja, asserting that the facility continues to serve as a crime scene in an active criminal investigation. Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja made this assertion in a recent statement, explaining that the 13-month shutdown remains lawful due to the nature of the ongoing proceedings.

This clarification came after the quarry owner, Stone Rockers Nigeria Limited, petitioned President Bola Tinubu and other government officials, arguing that the extended closure was unlawful and not supported by any court order.

Onoja emphasized that the sealing of the facility was not an administrative measure but was instead directly connected to a criminal case currently before the Federal High Court. Stone Rockers, along with one of its directors, Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, are currently facing trial under Charge No. FHC/ABM/VR/338/2026 for alleged illegal mining activities within a mineral title area owned by Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited.

The criminal proceedings followed investigations initiated by the Mining Marshals, triggered by petitions submitted by Stone Rockers over a period exceeding one year. These petitions were subsequently forwarded to the Mining Marshals by the relevant ministers.

Investigators reportedly detained the defendants at specific coordinates within the mining lease held by Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited, which were later confirmed to fall within Mining Lease No. 000395 ML. The agency stated that a letter from the Mining Cadastre Office, dated January 23, 2026, validated these coordinates' location within the complainant’s licensed mining area.

The Mining Marshals have pledged to proceed with the investigation, citing substantial documentary evidence, including potentially incriminating correspondence allegedly written by Olaiya during the investigation.

The prosecutor also criticized the defendants' efforts to seek administrative intervention, stating that their actions are already under judicial scrutiny. Additionally, Onoja accused the defendants of attempting to undermine the criminal proceedings through extrajudicial means, including a recent petition to the President, which he deemed unwarranted.

The commander warned against any actions that could prejudice the ongoing trials, reiterating that the Mining Marshals will persist in pursuing the legal case without succumbing to pressure.

Regarding the initial arrest of workers, Onoja explained that charges have been adjusted to exclude those who acted under the direction of a principal, potentially eliminating their criminal liability. However, he noted that the situation may warrant a reconsideration if evidence emerges demonstrating greater involvement. The Mining Marshals also dismissed claims of financial inducements influencing the enforcement operation, asserting that the quarry owner did not provide any financial support to the Mining Marshals for the operation that led to the arrests.