The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its stance on the continued closure of the Stone Rockers quarry site in Abuja, stating that the facility remains a crime scene due to an ongoing criminal prosecution. This clarification comes after Stone Rockers Nigeria Limited petitioned President Bola Tinubu and other government officials, claiming that the 13-month shutdown was unlawful and lacked court backing.

Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja, who leads the NSCDC Mining Marshals, emphasized that the closure is not merely an administrative measure but is linked to a criminal case currently before the Federal High Court. He noted that the quarry was sealed because it constitutes the locus criminis in an ongoing matter involving allegations of illegal mining activities.

The legal troubles for Stone Rockers Nigeria Limited stem from charges against the company and one of its directors, Kolawole Olaiya, under Charge No. FHC/ABM/VR/338/2026. These allegations relate to illegal mining within a mineral title area that legally belongs to Lord’s Career Ventures Nigeria Limited. The case emerged following a series of petitions submitted by Lord’s Career Ventures over a year, prompting investigations by the NSCDC.

Onoja detailed that the investigations identified coordinates within the mining lease of Lord’s Career Ventures, leading to arrests of the defendants. He stated that the coordinates, confirmed by a letter from the Mining Cadastre Office, fall within the licensed area of Lord’s Career Ventures.

The NSCDC commander indicated that substantial documentary evidence is expected to be presented in court, including correspondence that allegedly contains admissions relevant to the case. He criticized the defendants' attempts to seek administrative intervention while legal proceedings are ongoing, asserting that such actions could undermine the judicial process.

Furthermore, Onoja accused the defendants of trying to influence public opinion through petitions and media campaigns, asserting that these efforts would not deter the NSCDC from pursuing the case vigorously. He urged media organizations to ensure that their reports are well-verified and grounded in fact, highlighting the media's role in supporting the government's efforts to reform the solid minerals sector.

Regarding the workers initially arrested during the enforcement operations, Onoja mentioned that prosecutors had previously amended charges to exclude them, given their status as employees. However, he noted that recent protests by some workers over the quarry's closure have prompted a reevaluation of their involvement in the alleged illegal activities.

The NSCDC has also dismissed claims that financial inducements influenced their enforcement actions, stating that decisions were based solely on evidence gathered during investigations. The agency reiterated its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting legitimate mineral title holders, asserting that no external pressure would sway their determination to uphold the law in Nigeria's mining sector. The ongoing issues surrounding illegal mining remain a significant concern for the Federal Government as it seeks to enhance the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the economy, aiming to diversify revenue sources beyond crude oil.