EFCC arrests 41 suspects, impounds truckloads of lithium in Kwara

The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 41 suspects and seized 12 trucks transporting various types of solid minerals mined without proper licensing.

During a parade of the suspects in Ilorin on Tuesday, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, the Zonal Commander of EFCC, disclosed that the suspects were apprehended from different locations, including Patigi, Igbeti, and Ogbomoso areas near Kwara state.

Nzekwe noted that a majority of the arrested individuals were truck drivers, some of whom implicated foreign nationals and a few prominent Nigerians in the illegal mining operations.

He emphasized the EFCC’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and dismantling illegal mining syndicates nationwide, highlighting the severe consequences of such activities on the economy, environment, and security.

Citing Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983, Nzekwe highlighted that the offence carries a punishment of life imprisonment.

Among the arrested suspects are Nura Lawan, Tunde Jimoh, Sani Umar, Oyeleke Sunkanmi, Adegboyega Oluwashola, Mohammed Umar, Muhammed Abubakar, Dawud Muideen, Chukwu Okpara Idam, Ganiyu Roqeeb, Umina Umina, Nura Ibrahim, Isiyaku Jibril, and Samaila Ibrahim.

Additionally, the Commander listed others as Idris Isah, Abdullahi Adamu, Yusuf Auwal, Aminu Usman, Muhammed Musa, Yusuf Ibrahim, Abdullahi Sani, Ishola Mayowa Qudus, Zakariyau Yusuf, Abubakar Dauda, Mohammed A Mohammed, Soliu Mohammed, Sunday Adewale, and Adeyemi Michael.

Furthermore, Nzekwe provided details of the registration numbers of the impounded trucks, including FG 179 6B, KWM 398 XA, TRE 419 YJ, ABC 795 XD, KWS 351 XC, ZUR 370 XJ, YL 667 XA, T3815 LA, AAA998XA, SHD 625XA, and KWM 416 XA.

He revealed that preliminary investigations suggested that the minerals being transported, suspected to include marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite, were destined for export, causing losses to the Nigerian economy.

Nzekwe announced that the suspects would face prosecution upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Recalling previous actions, he mentioned the EFCC’s successful conviction of a Chinese national, Gang Deng, in 2022, and the subsequent forfeiture of two trucks and their mineral contents to the Federal Government. Additionally, he noted the arrest of 13 Chinese nationals on July 12, 2023, for illegal mining-related offences.