EFCC Arrests 13 Chinese Citizens Over Alleged Illegal Mining In Kwara

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested some Chinese nationals in Kwara State over alleged illegal mining activities.

Parading the Chinese suspects on Thursday at the Ilorin Zonal Command of the anti-graft, the state Zonal Head of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, said their offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17, 1983.

He noted that the suspects, twelve males and a female, were apprehended on Wednesday, July 12, at the Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, the state capital, following credible intelligence about their activities, such as illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.

According to Nzekwe, prior to their arrest, findings revealed that the operators had different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 local government areas of the state.

He said suspects were also arrested at a house near the EFCC office where they are illegally producing marbles. The official of the anti-graft agency said efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspects’ Nigerian collaborators.

The suspects, Nzekwe said, would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.