No fewer than 13 Chinese nationals have been nabbed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for engaging in illegal mining activities in Ilorin, Kwara State.
One female and twelve male Chinese nationals were arrested at the Government Reserved Area (G.R.A.) in Ilorin following credible intelligence regarding their involvement in illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as mandated by law, a statement by the anyi-graft agency stated.
Their activities, EFCC said contravenes Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983, and are subject to punishment.
The detainees have been identified as Guo Ya Wang (36), Lizli Hui (42), Guo Jian Rong (36), Lizh Shen Xianian (37), Lishow Wu (26), Guo Pan (38), Lia Meiyu (53), Guo Kai Quan (36), and Lin Pan (50). Additionally, Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29), and Xie Zhinguo (53) are among those detained.
Investigations into illegal mining activities in Kwara exposed the presence of various illegal mining sites across all 16 local councils in the state.
The suspects have admitted to being employees of a Chinese company located in Ifelodun Local Council. The company primarily deals in marble production and sales within Nigeria.
Further inquiries revealed that some workers did not possess work permits but only possessed visit permits obtained in China for a trip to Abuja, with subsequent travel by road to Ilorin.
Once investigations are concluded, the suspects will be brought before the court for prosecution.
EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwajuren said;
“Upon interrogation, the arrested suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese company known as W. Mining Global Service Limited, situated at Olayinka in Ifelodun LGA of the state.
“It was gathered that the company was using the illegally-mined crude to produce marble and sell locally within Nigeria.”
Findings also revealed that some of the suspects working in the company were without work permit, but came with visit permit from China to Abuja and traveled by road to Ilorin.”
The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, the statement added.
