Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested no fewer than 13 Chinese nationals over offences bordering on illegal mining activities, in Kwara State.
The offence, as gathered, is contrary to, and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act CAP M17, 1983.
The suspects, including one female and twelve (12 ) males were arrested on Wednesday at the Government Reserved Area in Ilorin, the state capital, following credible intelligence about their activities such as illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.
Briefing journalists, the Ilorin Zonal Head of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, explained that before their arrest, the investigation revealed that the operators have different illegal mining sites in almost all the 16 local government areas of the state.
The suspects were also arrested for the illegal production of marble and were arrested at a house near the EFCC office.
The official of the anti-graft agency said efforts are ongoing to arrest the suspects’ Nigerian collaborators.
The suspects, according to him, would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
