Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – Seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerian accomplices are facing potential jail terms and hefty fines after being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The arrests took place last Thursday in the Emem-Asuk community, though the EFCC confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday via its X (formerly Twitter) page. The anti-graft agency stated that the suspects were operating without the required mining licenses.
The arrested Chinese nationals have been identified as Yang Chaobao (32), Zhong Dun Yi (33), Cheng Jiang (35), Zhong Dun Long (37), Pan Peiming (33), Lai Yiping (37), and Zhu Lekun (35). The identities of their Nigerian accomplices have not yet been released.
This arrest comes barely one week after another Chinese businessman was apprehended at the Muritala Muhammed International Airport for suspected hard drug possession, highlighting a recent increase in high-profile arrests involving Chinese nationals in Nigeria.
The suspects in the illegal mining case face severe penalties under Nigerian law. According to Section 133 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, individuals found guilty of mining offenses are liable to a fine of not less than N20,000,000 and imprisonment of not less than five years upon conviction at the first instance. The Act further stipulates that if the offense is a continuing one, an additional fine of N20,000 will be imposed for each day the offense persists, alongside potential license revocation.
Similarly, Section 134(c) of the Act broadens the scope of illegal activities, stating that any individual who “engages in the business of milling, leaching, sampling, concentrating, reducing, assaying, transporting, or dealing in ores, metals or minerals, contrary to the provisions of this Act, commits an offence under this Act.” Such offenders are liable on conviction to a fine of not less than N500,000.00, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or to both fine and imprisonment.
The suspects are currently in EFCC custody and are expected to be charged to court following the conclusion of investigations.
