Two Chinese nationals: Yang Chao (39) and Xiao Jiang (38) have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for involvement in illegal mining activities.

They were arrested alongside Chidi Joseph Osuji (48) suspected to be an accomplice in the illegal business.

Acting on intelligence, the suspects were trailed to their mining sites located at Ogunmakin and Ogere, Ogun State, where they were arrested after days of surveillance.

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Preliminary investigations showed that Chao and Chidi are working as factory manager and machine operator respectively with Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited located at Ogunmakin in Ogun State, while Jiang works with John Odiba Multibiz as an assistant manager in Ogere, Ogun State.

The suspects who operate as a cartel allegedly specialise in illegal mining of minerals such as marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, among others, which they are transporting outside the country through illegitimate means for private gains.

Investigations also linked the three suspects as owners of the solid minerals being conveyed by the 41 suspects arrested with truck loads of minerals at Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi and Okolowo in Kwara, and Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo state by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC on  February 5, 2024.

They were arrested for engaging in mining activities without requisite licences.

The Star