Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, said it has arrested two more Chinese nationals over illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
The latest suspects are Xiao Yi, 50, and Duan Yahong, 52.
They were arrested alongside two suspected accomplices whose names were given as Mumini Jamiu and Israel Nwachukwu.
Daily Trust reports that the commission on Sunday said it arrested Yang Chao, 39, and Xiao Jiang, 38, two Chinese nationals, over similar offences at their factories in Ogun State.
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In a statement on Monday, EFCC’s head of media and publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the latest arrest brings to 48 suspects apprehended for illegal mining activities within the last two weeks.
According to him, the suspects were trailed to their mining sites at Isolo, Oshodi in Lagos State, where they were arrested after days of surveillance by EFCC operatives.
He said Mumuni, a driver, was arrested while conveying a truck loaded with solid minerals from Banni in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State to a Chinese company in Lagos without lawful permit.
“Items recovered from the suspects include a truck with registration number JJJ 386 XT containing substances suspected to be solid minerals, phones and travel documents.
“The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations,” Oyewale added.
