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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) reported on Friday the arrest of two Chinese nationals and two Nigerians for attempting to export solid minerals illegally.
The suspects, identified as Wang Jiang, Wang Richard, Donatus Agupusi, and Michael Benneth Agu, were detained due to a lack of required export permits, according to Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC.
Wang Jiang was detained at Enugu’s Akanu Ibiam International Airport when security screening revealed suspicious stones in his luggage, which authorities believe to be solid minerals.
The EFCC noted that further arrests were made at its Enugu Zonal Directorate, where the other suspects, including Agupusi and Agu, were taken into custody.
The EFCC explained that the arrests followed a tip-off from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024, concerning Jiang’s attempt to smuggle the minerals out of the country.
Initial investigations suggest that Agupusi, who owns Great Wall Construction Limited, employs the other suspects and that Jiang intended to transport the minerals to China for testing.
None of the suspects possessed legal documentation to export the minerals.
The EFCC assured the public that all suspects will face legal proceedings upon the completion of the investigation.
The agency underscored that the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to counter illegal mining and unauthorized export of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Similar actions have been taken in the past, with the EFCC previously apprehending two other Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Xiao Jiang, in Ilorin for suspected involvement in illegal mining.
These efforts are part of the EFCC’s mission to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and prevent illegal exploitation.