Five Chinese arrested over suspicion of illegal mining in A’Ibom

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it has arrested five Chinese for suspected illegal mining at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibeno Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.

EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale stated in a statement on Sunday in Uyo that the suspects were arrested by the Commission’s Special Task Force, Uyo Zonal Command on August 29 and September 10 respectively following an intelligence report.

Oyewale who listed the suspects to include Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou and Chen Zeng, said they were arrested at an illegal mining site in Ibeno with minerals suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide.

He added that the suspects would be charged in court when investigations were complete.

“Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested five suspected illegal Chinese miners at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

“The five alleged illegal miners were arrested by the “Special Task Force on Illegal Mining” at the Commission’s Zonal Office in Uyo, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibeno LGAs.

“They were all arrested at an illegal mining site of a mineral suspected to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral,” the release stated.