The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State. The arrests were made by the Special Task Force on Illegal Mining at the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal office, following a tip-off on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies in the area.
Here are the details:
· Location: Ndito-Eka-Iba village, Ibieno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State
· Number of suspects: 5 Chinese nationals
· Offense: Suspected illegal mining activities
· Arresting agency: EFCC’s Special Task Force on Illegal Mining
· Date of arrest: Not specified, but announcement made on Sunday, September 15, 2024
The EFCC’s efforts aim to curb illegal mining activities and ensure that mining operations in Nigeria are conducted legally and with due regard for environmental and social regulations.
The arrested Chinese suspects are: Zhon Qinping arrested on September 10, 2024 at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location.
They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium- iron oxide mineral.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
