The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 41 individuals and seized 12 trucks on suspicion of engaging in unauthorized mining activities and possessing various types of solid minerals without valid licenses.
These arrests occurred on Monday, February 5, 2024, at multiple locations spanning Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi, and Okolowo in Kwara State, as well as Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo State.
The enforcement action was prompted by credible intelligence indicating the illicit transportation of mineral-laden trucks out of the state without requisite permits.
Among the apprehended suspects were individuals such as 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.
Additionally, individuals such as 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 were also detained.
It’s noteworthy that the Command had previously secured the conviction of Gang Deng, a Chinese national, and successfully obtained the final forfeiture of two trucks and their mineral contents to the Federal Government in July 12, 2023.
This followed the arrest of 13 Chinese nationals, comprising one female and twelve males, for offenses related to illegal mining.
The suspects will be brought before the court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
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