EFCC arrests 13 Chinese nationals for ‘Illegal mining’ in Kwara

July 13, 2023 9:32 pm

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives have arrested 13 Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining activities in Kwara.

In a statement on EFCC’s Twitter page on Thursday, the agency said the suspects, comprising 12 men and a woman, were arrested on July 12 at the government reserved area (GRA) in Ilorin.

The arrest by the Ilorin zonal command of the agency “followed credible intelligence about their activities which included but were not limited to, illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the federal government as required by law”.

According to EFCC, the offence contravened section 1(8) (b) of the miscellaneous offences act cap M17, 1983.

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).

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese company known as W. Mining Global Service Limited situated at Olayinka in Ifelodun LGA of Kwara state,” the statement reads.

“It was gathered that the company was using the illegally mined granite to produce marble for sale locally in Nigeria. Findings also revealed that some of the suspects working in the said company were without a work permit, but only entered Nigeria with visitor visas.

“The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.”