The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday announced the arrest of two Chinese siblings and two Nigerians for attempting to export solid minerals without the necessary permits.
A statement by the anti-graft agency by the Head Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the suspects were identified as Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu.
According to the statement, Wang Jiang was apprehended at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after suspicious stones, believed to be solid minerals, were found in his luggage during the hold baggage screening.
Meanwhile, the rest, including two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, were arrested at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC the statement noted.
Their arrest the statement noted followed an intelligence received by the Commission through the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024 involving “Jiang who was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where unidentified suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals wrapped in three different pieces were discovered in his luggage.”
“Preliminary investigations into the matter revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the remaining suspects. Investigation also revealed that Jiang was attempting to travel out of the country with the solid minerals in order to carry out some tests on them in China.
“Investigations further revealed that none of the four suspects had a permit to export the solid minerals to China.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” the statement noted.
The EFCC’s swift action highlights their commitment to combating illegal mining and exportation of solid minerals in Nigeria.
The Bureau Newspaper reports that this incident isn’t isolated, as the EFCC has made similar arrests in the past.
For instance, Yang Chao and Xiao Jiang, two Chinese nationals, were arrested in Ilorin for suspected illegal mining activities.
These arrests demonstrate the EFCC’s efforts to curb illegal activities and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.