EFCC arrest 13 Chinese for illegal mining in Kwara State
Story from Kasim Isa Muhammad
Thirteen Chinese nationals have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for engaging in illegal mining activities in Ilorin, Kwara State. The EFCC, through its Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed the arrest of the suspects on July 12 in the Government Reserved Area of Ilorin.
The action taken by the EFCC was based on credible intelligence received regarding the illegal mining activities and the failure of the Chinese nationals to pay royalties to the Nigerian government as mandated by law. The suspects, comprising twelve males and one female, were identified as Guo Wang (36), Lizli Hui (42), Guo Rong (36), Lizh Xianian (37), Lishow Wu (26), Guo Pan (38), Lia Meiyu (53), Guo Quan (36), Lin Pan (50), Ma Jan (38), Wendy Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29), and Xie Zhinguo (53).
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The EFCC had previously conducted covert investigations into the illegal mining activities in Kwara State, leading to the discovery of various illegal mining sites established by the Chinese nationals across the state’s 16 local government areas.
Upon interrogation, the suspects admitted to being employees of a Chinese company known as W. Mining Global Service Limited, which operates in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. It was revealed that the company was illegally mining raw materials used for marble production and selling them within Nigeria.
Further investigations revealed that some of the suspects were working without proper permits. They had entered Nigeria with visit permits from China to Abuja and then traveled to Ilorin by road.
The arrested individuals have contravened Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983, and will be arraigned once the ongoing investigations are completed.
During a media training event held on July 6, 2023, in Kwara State, the acting Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulkarim Chukkol, expressed concern about the negative impact of illegal mining on the local and national economy. He also highlighted the efforts of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, which has apprehended over 80 illegal mining operators in the past eight months and seized 24 truckloads of assorted minerals.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating corruption and pledged to intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining operations across the country.
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