OPERATIVES of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission – EFCC, have arrested 13 Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining activities, in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at the Government Reserved Area, G.R.A Ilorin following intelligence about their activities which included illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.
The suspects are 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) Lin Pan (50)
Others are Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29) and Xie Zhinguo (53).
Investigations on the activities of illegal mining operators in the State revealed that the suspect have different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.
The suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese Company known as W. Mining Global Service Limited situated at Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the State.
It was gathered that the company was using the illegally mined crude to produce marble and sell locally within Nigeria.
The offence is contrary to, and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983.