EFCC Arrests 48 Suspected Illegal Miners In Kwara In Two Weeks

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, said its Zonal Command at Ilorin, has arrested 48 suspects in connection with illegal mining activities within the last two weeks.

The information was contained in a press statement issued by the EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, on Monday.

Recently, the command has been arresting suspected illegal miners, including some Chinese men. During the weekend, THE WHISTLER reported that the Command had arrested two Chinese men and one Nigerian over alleged illegal mining.

In a new development on Monday, the EFCC spokesman said the Ilorin Zonal Command has also arrested two more Chinese men, and two Nigerians on Sunday, over offences bordering on illegal mining activities.

He said the Chinese suspects are Xiao Yi, 50 and Duan Yahong, 52.

“The two expatriates were arrested alongside two others suspected to be accomplices in the illegal business. They are Mumini Jamiu and Israel Nwachukwu,” he highlighted.

The spokesman said: “The latest arrest brings to 48 the number of persons arrested for suspected illegal mining activities within the last two weeks by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC.

“The suspects were trailed to their mining sites located at Isolo in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, where they were arrested on Sunday, February 18, 2024, after days of surveillance by the EFCC operatives.

“Jamiu, a driver, was arrested while conveying a truck loaded with solid minerals from Banni in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, to a Chinese company in Lagos without lawful permit.”

He explained that items recovered from the suspects include a truck with registration number JJJ 386 XT containing substances suspected to be solid minerals, phones, and travel documents.

He added that the suspects would be arraigned in court soon.