A Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to two years in prison or an option of a ₦1 million fine each for engaging in illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
The convicted foreigners, along with their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for conducting mining operations without the required permits.
Delivering judgment on Friday, March 7, 2025, Justice Abimbola Awogboro also ordered the convicts to pay ₦14 million in royalties to the federal government.
Additionally, all minerals discovered at their company’s site in Ogun State were forfeited to the government.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale described the judgment as a significant step in the fight against illegal mining, which has led to revenue losses and environmental degradation.
“This conviction sends a strong message that Nigeria’s natural resources must be protected, and no one is above the law,” Oyewale stated.
The prosecution, led by Sesan Ola, presented critical evidence, including the defendants’ extra-judicial statements, a report from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, and their passports.
Justice Awogboro ruled that the EFCC had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Authorities have intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal mining, targeting individuals and companies operating without authorization to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s mining regulations.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
