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EFCC Nabs 41 Suspects And Seizes Truckloads Of Lithium In Kwara
Eko Hot Blog reports that in a significant crackdown on illegal mining activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Command, has apprehended 41 suspects and impounded 12 trucks loaded with various solid minerals mined without the requisite licenses.
Addressing the media in Ilorin on Tuesday, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, the Zonal Commander of EFCC, highlighted the diverse locations where the suspects were apprehended, including Patigi, Igbeti, and Ogbomoso areas near Kwara state.
Most of the arrested individuals were identified as truck drivers, some of whom implicated foreign nationals and certain Nigerian figures involved in the illicit mining operations.
Nzekwe emphasized the EFCC’s unyielding commitment to combating corruption and dismantling illegal mining networks nationwide.
He underscored the severe consequences of illegal mining, stating, “Aside from the law that frowns on illegal mining activities, the act is an economy sabotage capable of causing environmental devastation, socio-economic hardship, insecurity, banditry, and a host of other vices.”
The Commander pointed out that the offense is punishable with life imprisonment under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983. The suspects, including Nura Lawan, Tunde Jimoh, Sani Umar, and others, will face charges related to illegal mining, and details of the 12 impounded trucks were disclosed during the briefing.
“Preliminary investigations showed that the minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite, among others, are being transported outside the country for production of goods at the expense of the Nigerian economy,” Nzekwe revealed.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
The EFCC’s decisive action echoes its previous successes in curbing illegal mining, including the conviction of a Chinese national and the forfeiture of trucks with mineral contents to the Federal Government in 2022.
Earlier in 2023, 13 Chinese nationals were also arrested for offenses related to illegal mining.
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This recent operation reflects the EFCC’s determination to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests and tackle illicit activities that pose threats to the nation’s well-being.
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