Operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao, 39, and Xiao Jiang, 38, along with Chidi Joseph Osuji, 48, for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Acting on credible intelligence, the EFCC conducted a thorough surveillance operation leading to the arrest of the suspects at their mining sites situated in Ogunmakin and Ogere, Ogun State.
Investigations revealed that Chao and Chidi are associated with Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited in Ogunmakin, serving as a factory manager and machine operator respectively, while Jiang works as an assistant manager at John Odiba Multibiz in Ogere, Ogun State.
The suspects, operating as a syndicate, reportedly specialize in the illegal extraction of minerals such as marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite. These minerals are unlawfully transported abroad for personal profit.
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Further investigations have linked the trio to ownership of the solid minerals confiscated from 41 other suspects apprehended during a coordinated operation across Kwara and Oyo states on February 5, 2024. These individuals were arrested for engaging in mining activities without the necessary licenses.
The EFCC also detained Sallah Asmau Wuraola, Owoduni Abdullahi Isa (alias Bolaji), and Shuaibu Rukayat for allegedly trading new naira notes at unauthorized locations for commercial purposes. Wuraola and Rukayat were found in possession of N1,220,000, while Isa had N150,000 on him.
The suspects are currently in custody pending their arraignment in court.
