Crime
EFCC Nab 13 Chinese Nationals Over Illegal Mining In Kwara
Findings also revealed that some of the employees were without Work Permit, but only came with Visit Permit from China to Abuja
Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 13 Chinese Nationals over offences bordering on illegal mining activities, in Ilorin, Kwara State.
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) and Lin Pan (50).
Others are Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29) and Xie Zhinguo (53). Prior to their arrest, investigations on illegal miners in Kwara revealed that the operators had different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 local councils of the state.
A female and 12 male Chinese were arrested on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Government Reserved Area (G.R.A.), Ilorin, following credible intelligence about their activities, including illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.
The Ilorin Zonal Command spokesperson, Wilson Uwajuren, said suspects confessed to being workers of a Chinese Company in Ifelodun Local Council. It was gathered that the company was producing marble and selling it within Nigeria.
Findings also revealed that some of the employees were without Work Permit, but only came with Visit Permit from China to Abuja and travelled by road to Ilorin. The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
“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 LGA of the state.
“It was gathered that the company was using the illegally-mined crude to produce marble and sell locally within Nigeria.
“Findings also revealed that some of the suspects working in the company were without a work permit, but came with visit permit from China to Abuja and travelled by road to Ilorin.”
He, however, said suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, the statement