1 week ago
5
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians over alleged illegal mining activities in the Ogere area of Ogun State, the anti-graft agency said in a press statement on Friday.
It said it arrested the Chinese suspects – Zhang Hang Lin and Gao Pei Hai – and their alleged Nigerian conspirators – Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa and Saidu Shuaibu – during a sting operation.
The agency said it arrested them on Friday following credible intelligence and surveillance.
It also saidit recovered from the suspects three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder, other yet-to-be-identified solid minerals, a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of low grade lithium, Automated Teller Machine ( ATM) cards, the suspects’ international passports, four pieces of LED Flashlight and other documents. 
According to the EFCC, the suspects will be charged in court after investigations.
Mining activity undertaken without state permission and poses a major drain on Nigeria’s economy.
Chinese involvement in illegal mining
There has been a trend of the involvement of Chinese nationals in illegal mining in Nigeria. In September 2024, EFCC arrested five Chinese nationals accused of illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.
Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it.
Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.
Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.
Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.
In March, the EFCC secured the conviction of two Chinese nationals. The convicts, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, were sentenced to years imprisonment for illegal mining but offered them an option of fine.
The trial judge also ordered the convicts to remit N14 million in royalties to the federal government. 
Despite the efforts of the EFCC and the conviction of illegal miners, their activities persist.
The activities of illegal miners not only threaten the economy but have also resulted in fatalities and life-threatening injuries.
An investigation by PREMIUM TIMES highlighted how the activities of unregulated miners have claimed lives and shattered hopes in Benue State.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Times, we firmly believe in the importance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everyone can afford costly news subscriptions, we are dedicated to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked news that remains freely accessible to all.
Whether you turn to Premium Times for daily updates, in-depth investigations into pressing national issues, or entertaining trending stories, we value your readership.
It’s essential to acknowledge that news production incurs expenses, and we take pride in never placing our stories behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you consider supporting us with a modest contribution on a monthly basis to help maintain our commitment to free, accessible news?
TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999
English (US) ·