Reported by Odu T. Bisong | 4th April 2026
Federal High Court wey dey sit for Calabar don talk say the work wey Prince Paul Effiong and the task force wey Cross River State Government set up for mining sector no follow law.
The court give this judgment for one case between Olayi Mines & Energy Ltd and others against Cross River State Government and some other defendants. According to the court, na only Federal Government get power to control and regulate mining activities for Nija.
Court come find say the task force wey state government set up go do work pass their boundary as dem enter inside mining operations, even seize equipment wey belong to the people wey carry the matter go court.
Justice Ijeoma L. Ojukwu talk say Prince Paul Effiong, wey be the 4th defendant for the case, carry himself like enforcement agent even though law no give am that kind authority.
The judge clear say power to control, manage and regulate mining business no dey for state government hands or their task force, but na Federal authorities like Mining Cadastre Office and other agencies wey dey under Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 get that responsibility.
The court still talk say wetin the task force do na illegal interference for work wey belong to Federal Government, and say if any problem dey for mining operations, dem suppose report am give the correct Federal bodies.
For the judgment, the court talk say Prince Paul no get right to take over powers wey belong to Federal agencies under the excuse of Executive Order No.1, and say the way e act no follow the work wey dem assign give am.
The court still reject the objection wey Prince Paul Effiong file, say e no get merit.
Also, the court talk say Nigerian Army and Attorney General of the Federation no be necessary parties for the case, as no clear complaint dey against them.
This judgment don still confirm say mining matter na Federal Government work, as e dey under Exclusive Legislative List, and this one limit wetin state government fit do for that sector.
