EFCC seizes 12 trucks ‘containing lithium’, arrests 41 suspects in Kwara

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has impounded 12 trucks containing some illegally mined solid minerals. 

Speaking during the parade of the suspects on Tuesday in Ilorin, Michael Nzekwe, EFCC zonal commander, said 41 suspects were arrested at various locations in Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi and Okolowo in Kwara, and Igbeti and Ogbomoso in Oyo.

Nzekwe said the arrest was sequel to credible intelligence on how illegal miners transport solid minerals without licences.

The zonal commander disclosed that preliminary investigations showed that the solid minerals being transported are suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite.

He added that the solid minerals are being transported outside the country to the detriment of the Nigerian economy.

The commander said the commission will not relent in the fight against illegal miners across the country, adding that illegal mining constitutes economic sabotage.

He said the offence contravened section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983.

The commander said the suspects will be arraigned after completion of investigation.

“They were arrested at different locations in Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi and Okolowo in Kwara, and Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo state,” the commander was quoted as saying by NAN.

“The suspects are Nura Lawan, Tunde Jimoh, Sani Umar, Oyeleke Sunkanmi, Adegboyega Oluwashola, Mohammed Umar, Muhammed Abubakar, Dawud Muideen, Chukwu Okpara Idam, Ganiyu Roqeeb, Umina Umina, Nura Ibrahim, Isiyaku Jibril and Samaila Ibrahim.

Others are Idris Isah, Abdullahi Adamu, Yusuf Auwal, Aminu Usman, Muhammed Musa, Yusuf Ibrahim, Abdullahi Sani, Ishola Mayowa Qudus, Zakariyau Yusuf, Abubakar Dauda, Mohammed A Mohammed, Soliu Mohammed, Sunday Adewale and Adeyemi Michael.”