The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recently made significant arrests pertaining to suspected illegal activities. Among those apprehended are two Chinese nationals, Mr. Yang Chao, aged 39, and Mr. Xiao Jiang, aged 38, alongside Mr. Chidi Joseph Osuji, aged 48, believed to be an accomplice in illicit mining endeavors.
Based on actionable intelligence, EFCC operatives conducted a thorough surveillance operation leading to the arrest of these individuals at their respective mining sites situated in Ogunmakin and Ogere, Ogun State. Initial inquiries reveal that Mr. Chao and Mr. Osuji hold positions within Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited, with Mr. Chao serving as the factory manager and Mr. Osuji as a machine operator. Additionally, Mr. Jiang is identified as an assistant manager at John Odiba Multibiz in Ogere, Ogun State.
The trio is suspected of operating a syndicate specializing in the illegal extraction of various minerals, including marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite. These minerals are allegedly transported abroad through unauthorized channels for personal enrichment. Moreover, investigations have connected the suspects to ownership of the solid minerals intercepted by EFCC operatives on February 5, 2024, in locations spanning Kwara and Oyo states. The apprehended individuals were found to be engaging in mining activities devoid of requisite licenses.
In a separate enforcement action, the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Command also detained three individuals: Sallah Asmau Wuraola, Owoduni Abdullahi Isa (known as Bolaji), and Shuaibu Rukayat, a nurse from Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State. These individuals are accused of unlawfully vending new Nigerian currency notes of various denominations for commercial purposes.
The arrest of these suspects was prompted by credible intelligence indicating the unauthorized sale of new naira notes at event venues, nightclubs, hotels, and social gatherings. Ms. Wuraola and Ms. Rukayat were found in possession of the sum of N1,220,000 (One Million, Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira Only), while Mr. Isa was apprehended with N150,000 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only).
