13 Chinese Nationals Arrested for Illegal Mining in Kwara State by EFCC
Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 13 Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities in Ilorin, Kwara State. The suspects, consisting of 12 men and 1 woman, were taken into custody on July 12, 2023, at the Government Reserved Area in Ilorin following credible intelligence regarding their involvement in illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Guo Ya Wang (36), Lizli Hui (42), Guo Jian Rong (36), Lizh Shen Xianian (37), Lishow Wu (26), Guo Pan (38), Lian Meiyu (53), Guo Kai Quan (36), Lin Pan (50), Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29), and Xie Zhinguo (53).
Prior investigations into illegal mining activities in Kwara State revealed that the operators had numerous illegal mining sites in almost all of the state’s 16 Local Government Areas.
During interrogation, the arrested suspects confessed to working for a Chinese company called W. Mining Global Service Limited, located in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area. It was discovered that the company used illegally mined granite to produce marble for sale within Nigeria. Furthermore, it was revealed that some of the suspects were working without proper work permits and had only entered Nigeria on visitor visas.
The suspects will be prosecuted once the investigations are concluded.
Previously, on July 6, 2023, Abdulkarim Chukkol, the Acting Executive Chairman of the EFCC, expressed concern over the activities of illegal mining operators, emphasizing the significant threat they pose to the local and national economy, during a media training for journalists in Kwara State. In the past eight months, the Ilorin Zonal Command of EFCC has arrested 80 illegal operators and impounded 24 truckloads of assorted minerals.
On September 10, 2022, the Ilorin Zonal Command had also arrested Dang Deng, a Chinese national and the managing director of Sinuo Xinyang Nigeria Ltd, who was found in possession of 25 tons of various crude minerals. He was subsequently convicted by Justice Mohammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin, on October 19, 2022.
The EFCC remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting corruption and dismantling illegal mining operations nationwide.