Chinese brothers nabbed for minerals theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, along with Nigerians Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, for attempting to export solid minerals without the necessary permits.

According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, the arrest followed intelligence received from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on November 3, 2024.

Jiang was intercepted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, during a security screening, where stones believed to be solid minerals were discovered in his luggage, wrapped in three separate packages.

The investigation revealed that Jiang intended to travel to China to test the minerals. Oyewale further stated that Agupusi, who owns Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects, all of whom lacked permits to export the minerals.

Oyewale explained, “Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested two Chinese siblings: Wang Jiang and Wang Richard for allegedly making efforts to export solid minerals without a requisite permit.

“Their arrest followed intelligence received from FAAN, involving Jiang, who was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where unidentified stones believed to be solid minerals wrapped in three packages were found in his luggage.”

He added that the suspects will be prosecuted once the investigation is concluded.

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