The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, arraigned two Chinese brothers, Wang Jian and Wang Richard, along with a Nigerian, Michael Berneth Agu, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Independence Layout, Enugu.
The trio face a three-count charge, including the unlawful exportation and possession of mineral ore without proper authorization.
One count alleges that the defendants conspired to export mineral ore without the necessary permits, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Another count accuses them of possessing 15 pieces of mineral ore without lawful authority, an offense under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty. EFCC counsel, ACE I Onjefu Obe, requested their remand at the Enugu Correctional Facility and a trial date. However, defense counsel Peter Eze sought bail, citing the medical condition of the first defendant, Wang Jian, and ongoing plea bargain discussions for the other defendants.
Justice Umar granted bail to each defendant in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties who must be prominent residents of Enugu State. The defendants were ordered to surrender their passports and will remain in custody until bail conditions are met.
The EFCC’s case began on November 3, 2024, when Wang Jian was intercepted at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. Suspicious stones, believed to be solid minerals, were found in his luggage. Investigations revealed plans to conduct tests on the minerals in China without proper authorization. Wang Richard and Agu were later arrested following further inquiries.
The court adjourned the trial to January 21, 2025.
