Court Stops Lithium Evacuation in Kwara Communitya

A Federal High Court in Ilorin has halted the movement of lithium deposits in a Kwara community, issuing an interim injunction against El Tahdam Exploration. The injunction was over activities in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area. The order followed a suit instituted by representatives of the Lade District Development Association (LDDA) and other indigenes of […]

A Federal High Court in Ilorin has halted the movement of lithium deposits in a Kwara community, issuing an interim injunction against El Tahdam Exploration.

The injunction was over activities in Lade, Patigi Local Government Area.

The order followed a suit instituted by representatives of the Lade District Development Association (LDDA) and other indigenes of the community.

LDDA approached the court to stop what they described as the unlawful evacuation of lithium heaps from their land.

The plaintiffs, Moses Ake and Gana Tsado, filed the action on behalf of the community through their counsel, Lanre Yahya.

In suit number FHC/IL/CS/119/2025, the court restrained the firm from disposing of, transporting, removing or otherwise dealing with the lithium deposits already excavated in the area.

The order equally applies to the company’s workers, officers, agents or anyone acting on its behalf, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro granted the interim injunction, as contained in a certified true copy of the ruling obtained from the court’s registry.

Beyond stopping further movement of the mineral resources, the court also barred the company from harassing, intimidating or attacking the plaintiffs, whether directly or through the use of security personnel, in connection with the dispute.

The court made it clear that the restraining order will remain in force until the substantive motion is heard and determined.

The case has been adjourned to January 13, 2025, for further proceedings.

The court order partly read: “A order of interim injunction be and is hereby granted restraining the defendant from harassing, intimidating and/or attacking the plaintiffs by the use of security personnel or by any other means in relation to the subject matter of this suit.

“The Defendants shall be served with motion on notice together with a copy of this order within 14 days from today failing which this order shall stand automatically discharged.”