The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 13 Chinese nationals for illegal mining in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The offence is contrary to, and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983.

A female and 12 male Chinese were arrested on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Government Reserved Area (G.R.A.), Ilorin, following credible intelligence about their activities, including illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.

They’ve been identified as identified as Guo Ya Wang (36), Lizli Hui (42), Guo Jian Rong (36), Lizh Shen Xianian (37), Lishow Wu (26), Guo Pan (38), Lia Meiyu (53), Guo Kai Quan (36) and Lin Pan (50).

Others are Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29) and Xie Zhinguo (53). Prior to their arrest, investigations on illegal miners in Kwara revealed that the operators had different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 local councils of the state.

The suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese Company in Ifelodun Local Council. It was gathered that the company was producing marble and selling within Nigeria.

Findings also revealed that some of the employees were without Work Permit, but only came with Visit Permit from China to Abuja and travelled by road to Ilorin. The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigation.

EFCC’s spokesperson, Wilson Uwajuren said;

“Upon interrogation, the arrested suspects confessed to be workers of a Chinese company known as W. Mining Global Service Limited, situated at Olayinka in Ifelodun LGA of the state.

“It was gathered that the company was using the illegally-mined crude to produce marble and sell locally within Nigeria.

“Findings also revealed that some of the suspects working in the company were without work permit, but came with visit permit from China to Abuja and traveled by road to Ilorin.”

The suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations, the statement added.