By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a significant crackdown on illicit activities, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recently made two separate arrests in Ilorin, Kwara State, uncovering suspected illegal mining operations and currency racketeering schemes.
Operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC apprehended two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao (39) and Xiao Jiang (38), along with Chidi Joseph Osuji (48), suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities. Acting on intelligence, the EFCC conducted surveillance, leading to the arrests at mining sites located in Ogunmakin and Ogere, Ogun State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Chao and Chidi worked as a factory manager and machine operator, respectively, at Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited, while Jiang was employed as an assistant manager at John Odiba Multibiz. The trio allegedly formed a cartel specializing in the illegal mining of various minerals, including marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite, for illicit gains.
Further investigations linked the arrested individuals to ownership of the solid minerals confiscated during the arrest of 41 other suspects engaged in unauthorized mining activities across Kwara and Oyo states. The EFCC operation, conducted on February 5, 2024, targeted locations in Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi, Okolowo, Igbeti, and Ogbomosho.
In a parallel operation, the EFCC also apprehended Sallah Asmau Wuraola, Owoduni Abdullahi Isa (a.k.a Bolaji), and Shuaibu Rukayat for suspected currency racketeering. The trio, including two Point of Sale (PoS) cashiers and a nurse, were allegedly selling new naira notes of various denominations without authorization.
The arrests followed credible intelligence indicating the unauthorized sale of new currency notes at event centers, nightclubs, hotels, and parties. Wuraola and Rukayat were found in possession of N1,220,000 and Isa with N150,000 in new naira notes.
All suspects are expected to be charged to court as investigations continue into their respective criminal activities. The EFCC remains committed to combating illegal mining and financial crimes across Nigeria, ensuring the protection of national resources and the integrity of the financial system.
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