A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Niger State on Tuesday, sentenced four illegal miners arrested within the College of Education, Minna to nine months imprisonment each.

The accused pleaded guilty to the two-count charge of trespass and illegal mining

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arraigned the illegal miners Mohammed Sani, Tanko Bala, Dahiru Idris and Sani Idris after arresting them on April 21.

Mr Philip Ayuba, Commandant of NSCDC in Niger State said they were arraigned over alleged trespass and illegal mining, contrary to section 1 (8) b of the miscellaneous act 2004 laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

“The illegal miners were arrested after several warnings resulting from complaints by the college authorities.

“The school had said that the miners were degrading its land.

“The school also alleged that the illegal miners had constituted a security threat to the students,” as the law stipulates nine months imprisonment or N15,000 fine, on conviction.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Gimba Gabi who gave the judgment said it would deter potential illegal miners in the state from engaging in such act.