EFCC Arrests Seven Chinese, Four Nigerians for Illegal Mining in Akwa Ibom

EFCC Arrests Seven Chinese, Four Nigerians for Illegal Mining in Akwa Ibom

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians for allegedly engaging in illegal ilmenite mining in Akwa Ibom State.Dele Oyewale, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, announced that operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate arrested the suspects on Thursday, July 24, in Emem-Asuk, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. The Chinese suspects were identified as Yang Chaobao, 32; Zhong Dun Yi, 33; Cheng Jiang, 35; Zhong Dun Long, 37; Pan Peiming, 33; Lai Yiping, 37; and Zhu Lekun, 35. The Nigerian suspects include David Israel, 18; Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24; Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20; and Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23, a female translator.According to Oyewale, the suspects were caught setting up mining equipment at a second site in Eastern Obolo, where they were already illegally extracting ilmenite, locally known as black sand, at another location. Ajaga, the only female suspect, claimed her role was limited to translation due to her proficiency in Mandarin, stating, “I am a student studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State and I only work with them as a translator.”Oyewale confirmed that the suspects will face court charges upon completion of the EFCC’s investigation  

Source: EFCC Arrests Seven Chinese, Four Nigerians for Illegal Mining in Akwa Ibom

 - NigerianEye

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