15th September, 2024
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Five Chinese men identified as Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and Chen Zeng have been arrested by operatives of Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC for alleged involvement in illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State.
Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said in a statement on Sunday that the Chinese men were arrested at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibieno Local Government Area of the State.
However, while Zhon Qinping was arrested on September 10, 2024, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and Chen Zeng were arrested on August 29, 2024 at the same location.
According to the statement, the five alleged illegal miners were arrested by the “Special Task Force on illegal Mining” at the EFCC’s Zonal office in Uyo.
Their arrest followed credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibieno Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State.
EFCC said the Chinese men were suspected to be involved in illegal mining of ilmenite, a titanium- iron oxide mineral
“The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” EFCC concluded in the statement.
