EFCC nabs 18 individuals for suspected illegal mining
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 18 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities.
Furthermore, the anti-graft agency seized thirteen truckloads containing various solid minerals, believed to be lithium, marble stone, white powder, and lepidolite, from the accused perpetrators.
Among the arrested suspects are Saidu Madugu, Adamu Amadu, Lawal Ibrahim, Mohammed Mustapha, Abdulkarim Hassaini, Isiaka Abubakar, Shafiu Salisu, Abdullahi Isa, Bashiru Mohammed, Anas Saidu, Asa Bature, Abudu Sani, Jabir Salisu, Bello Muhammed, Habilu Idris, Fatai Abdullai, Isyiaka Hamidu, and Oseni Lukman.
According to a statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the arrests occurred on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, with three additional suspects – Fatai, Isyiaka, and Oseni – apprehended on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
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The operation was conducted following reliable intelligence on the transportation of unlawfully mined solid minerals by the suspects via the Eiyenkorin – Ballah route in Asa local government of Kwara State without proper authorization.
The EFCC, in collaboration with the patrol team of the Nigeria Customs Service, Kwara Area Command, successfully intercepted the trucks at the Eiyenkorin and Ballah area in Asa local government area of Kwara State.
Notably, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of EFCC had earlier on June 5, 2024, detained 11 suspects and impounded eight trucks for similar offences, demonstrating a commitment to curbing such illegal activities.
Oyewale emphasised that pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations, all apprehended suspects will face prosecution in court for their alleged involvement in illegal mining practices.