The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five Chinese nationals for alleged illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State. The suspects, identified as Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng, were apprehended in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, Ibieno Local Government Area.
EFCC said the arrests were made following credible intelligence on illicit mining operations by foreign companies in Eket and Ibieno LGAs. The suspects were caught extracting a mineral believed to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral.
The five alleged illegal miners were arrested by the Special Task Force on Illegal Mining at the Commission’s Zonal office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
The arrested Chinese suspects are Zhon Qinping, arrested on September 10, 2024, at Ibieno Local Government Area, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024, at the same location, the agency said on its official social media handle.
The EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court once they are complete
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