EFCC secures court order to seize mineral-laden trucks in Ilorin

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has obtained an interim attachment order on nine trucks conveying assorted solid minerals as part of its ongoing crackdown on illegal mining in Kwara and Oyo states.

The order was granted on Tuesday by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, following an ex parte application filed by the anti-graft agency.

EFCC operatives intercepted the trucks during a sting operation on February 1, 2026, which led to the arrest of several suspects. Preliminary investigations indicated that the minerals were allegedly mined and transported without lawful authority.

Through its counsel, Cosmas Ugwu, the commission asked the court to prevent the disposal, sale, lease, mortgage or tampering with the vehicles and their contents pending the conclusion of investigations. The application was backed by an affidavit from an EFCC investigator, Ali Aji Muhammed, stating that the trucks were recovered while transporting minerals sourced from unlicensed miners.

In her ruling, Justice Awogboro granted the interim forfeiture of the nine trucks and their contents. Among the affected vehicles were Dongfeng, DAF, Shacman and Howo trucks bearing various registration numbers.

In a related development, the court also ordered the final forfeiture of solid minerals found in another truck after the property was declared unclaimed and taken into the custody of the commission.

The development forms part of the EFCC’s broader efforts to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.