Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao, 39, and Xiao Jiang, 38, alongside Chidi Joseph Osuji, 48, on suspicions of engaging in illegal mining activities.
Following intelligence reports, the suspects were tracked to their mining sites located at Ogunmakin and Ogere, Ogun State, where they were arrested after days of surveillance. Preliminary investigations revealed that Chao and Chidi are associated with Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited in Ogunmakin, where Chao serves as the factory manager and Chidi as the machine operator. Jiang works as an assistant manager with John Odiba Multibiz in Ogere, Ogun State.
The trio is accused of operating as a cartel specializing in illegal mining of minerals like marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite. Allegedly, they transport these minerals outside the country through illicit means for personal gains.
Further investigations tied the three suspects to the ownership of solid minerals seized from 41 individuals arrested with truckloads of minerals at various locations in Kwara and Oyo states on February 5, 2024. These individuals were detained for engaging in mining activities without the necessary licenses.
In a separate development, the EFCC's Ilorin Zonal Command also apprehended Sallah Asmau Wuraola, Owoduni Abdullahi Isa (a.k.a Bolaji), and Shuaibu Rukayat for their involvement in a currency scam. Wuraola and Rukayat, identified as Point of Sale (PoS) cashiers, and Isa, a nurse, were allegedly selling new naira notes of various denominations to customers for commercial purposes.
The arrests were made following credible intelligence on individuals selling new naira notes without proper authorization at event centers, nightclubs, hotels, and parties. Wuraola and Rukayat were found in possession of N1,220,000 (One Million, Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira Only), while Isa was arrested with N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only). The EFCC continues to uphold its commitment to combat illegal activities and financial crimes in the region.
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