AGS NEWS – Operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao, aged 39, and Xiao Jiang, aged 38, along with Chidi Joseph Osuji, aged 48, suspected of involvement in illegal mining operations.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Sunday, the arrests were made following intelligence reports, with the suspects traced to mining sites in Ogunmakin and Ogere, Ogun State, after days of surveillance.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Chao and Osuji work as factory manager and machine operator, respectively, at Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited in Ogunmakin, while Jiang serves as an assistant manager at John Odiba Multibiz in Ogere.

The trio is alleged to operate as a syndicate engaged in the illegal mining of minerals like marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite, which they reportedly smuggle out of the country for personal profit.

The EFCC linked the suspects to ownership of solid minerals seized from 41 individuals arrested for illegal mining activities in Kwara and Oyo states on February 5, 2024.

Additionally, the EFCC arrested Sallah Asmau Wuraola, Owoduni Abdullahi Isa (also known as Bolaji), and Shuaibu Rukayat from Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State for allegedly selling new Nigerian currency notes of various denominations to customers for commercial purposes.

The arrests were made based on credible intelligence regarding the unauthorized sale of new currency notes at event centers, nightclubs, hotels, and parties.

Wuraola and Rukayat were found with N1,220,000, while Isa was in possession of N150,000.