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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians for alleged illegal mining of ilmenite, a valuable black sand mineral, in Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 28, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, July 24, by operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate at Emem-Asuk, in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state.
According to Oyewale, the Chinese suspects are: Yang Chaobao (32), Zhong Dun Yi (33), Cheng Jiang (35), Zhong Dun Long (37), Pan Peiming (33), Lai Yiping (37), and Zhu Lekun (35). Their Nigerian accomplices were identified as David Israel (18), Jonah Bartholomew Jim (24), Samuel Samuel Timothy (20), and Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23), who served as a translator.
“The suspects were arrested while setting up mining equipment at a second location, having already commenced illegal mining operations at their first site in Eastern Obolo,” Oyewale stated.
Ajaga, the only female among the suspects, claimed her involvement was limited to her role as a translator.
“I am a student studying the Chinese language at a learning centre in Anambra State. I only work with them as a translator because I speak Mandarin,” she explained.
Oyewale added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
