The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested thirteen Chinese Nationals over alleged illegal mining in Kwara State.
In a statement by the spokesman of the Commisssion, Wilson Uwujaren said the offence is punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983.
The statement said the suspects, which comprise of a female and 12 male, were arrested on Wednesday July 12, 2023 at the Government Reserved Area, G.R.A Ilorin following credible intelligence about their activities.
According to the statement, prior to the arrest of the suspects , discreet investigation revealed that the operators have different illegal mining sites in almost all the sixteen local government areas of the state.
The statement explained that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese Company situated in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The statement said the company was using the illegally mined crude to produce marble and sell locally within Nigeria.
It noted that findings also revealed that some of the suspects working in the said company were without work permit, but only came with visit permit from China to Abuja and traveled by road to Ilorin.
The statement said the suspects would be arraigned in court as soon as investigations are concluded.
REL/ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
