Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 11 suspected illegal miners for engaging in mining activities without the necessary licences.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday in Abuja.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, July 25, at Emem-Asuk community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Seven Chinese Nationals Among the Suspects
The suspects include seven Chinese nationals, identified as:
Yang Chaobao, 32
Zhong Dun Yi, 33
Cheng Jiang, 35
Zhong Dun Long, 37
Pan Peiming, 33
Lai Yiping, 37
Zhu Lekun, 35
They were arrested alongside four Nigerian accomplices:
David Israel, 18
Jonah Jim, 24
Samuel Timothy, 20
Comfort Ajaga, 23 — who served as a translator
Oyewale said the arrests were made while the suspects were setting up mining equipment at a second illegal site in the area. Investigations revealed that they had already begun mining ilmenite, a mineral locally referred to as “black sand”, at their initial location.
Translator Claims Innocence
During preliminary questioning, Comfort Ajaga, the only female among the suspects, claimed her sole role was as a translator, citing her proficiency in Mandarin.
“I am a student, and I’m studying Chinese Language at a learning centre in Anambra. I only work with them as a translator,” she reportedly said.
Prosecution to Follow
The EFCC stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
