UYO, Nigeria (BN24) — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians for allegedly engaging in illegal mining of ilmenite, also known as black sand, in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrests in a statement issued Monday, noting that operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate apprehended the suspects on July 24 at Emem-Asuk village, where they were reportedly expanding their operations to a second site.
“The suspects were caught setting up equipment at a new location after already mining ilmenite at their initial site,” Oyewale said.
The Chinese nationals in custody are Yang Chaobao, 32; Zhong Dun Yi, 33; Cheng Jiang, 35; Zhong Dun Long, 37; Pan Peiming, 33; Lai Yiping, 37; and Zhu Lekun, 35. Their Nigerian counterparts include David Israel, 18; Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24; Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20; and Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23, who served as a translator.
Ajaga, the only female among the group, claimed her role was limited to language interpretation. “I am a student studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State and I only work with them as a translator,” she said.
The EFCC has stated that the suspects will face charges following the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral, is often sought after in industrial applications and is regulated under Nigeria’s mining laws. The EFCC continues to intensify crackdowns on illegal mining operations nationwide.
