By Ken Chiwendu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Command has arrested 13 Chinese nationals for offences bordering on illegal mining activities, in Kwara State.
The suspects, who include a female and 12 male were arrested on Wednesday, July 12,2023 at the Government Reservation Area ( G.R.A) Ilorin following credible intelligence about their activities which included but noti limited to, illegal mining and non payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.
The offence is contrary to, and punishable under 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).
According to the EFCC, Prior to their arrest, discrete investigations on the activities of illegal mining operators in the state revealed that the operators have different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 local government areas of the State.
Upon interrogation, the arrested 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 suspects said to be working in the said company without “work permit” only came with ‘visit permit’ from China to Abuja and traveled by road to Ilorin.
Confirming the development,spokesman for the EFCC Wilson Uwujaren, said that the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
