Operatives of the Ilorin zonal command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested two Chinese, Yang Chao, and Xiao Jiang for alleged illegal mining activities.
They were arrested alongside one Chidi Osuji, suspected to be an accomplice.
EFCC disclosed this in a statement shared on its Facebook page on Sunday, February 18.
According to the statement, the suspects were trailed to their mining sites located at Ogunmakin and Ogere in Ogun State, where they were arrested after days of surveillance.
The statement reads: “Preliminary investigations showed that Chao and Chidi are working as factory manager and machine operator respectively with Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited located at Ogunmakin in Ogun State, while Jiang works with John Odiba Multibiz as an assistant manager in Ogere, Ogun State.
“The suspects who operate as a cartel allegedly specialises in illegal mining of minerals such as marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, among others, which they are transporting outside the country through illegitimate means for private gains.
“Investigations also linked the three suspects as owners of the solid minerals being conveyed by the 41 suspects arrested with truckloads of minerals at Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi and Okolowo in Kwara, and Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo State by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC on February 5, 2024.
“They were arrested for engaging in mining activities without requisite licenses. The suspects would soon be charged to court.”
