Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have again arrested five persons for possession and conveyance of three truckloads of assorted solid minerals mined without licence.
They are Dauda Suleiman, Quadri Oladimeji, Abubakar Alhassan, Anas Sanusi, and Auwal Garba. The suspects are truck drivers except Quadri Oladimeji and Auwal Garba, who are truck boys.
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC had on February 5, 2024, arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining activities and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without license.
The latest arrest brings to 46 the number of persons arrested, and 15 vehicles seized in the last one month over similar offences.
A statement issued in Ilorin on Tuesday signed by the Head of Media and Publicity of the anti graft agency, Mr. Dele Oyewale, the agency stated that, “The arrest of the suspects which was effected along Maraba road, Ilorin Kwara State and Ogbomosho, Oyo State between March 21 – 22, 2024, followed credible intelligence and days of surveillance.
The statement said, “The suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos State for commercial purposes without license.
“They claim to be hired.
“Details of the trucks recovered from the suspects showed that Dauda, Abubakar, and Anas were each carrying a truck with registration numbers JJJ 206 YG, Lagos; T24413 LA, Lagos and KNT 635 XP, Niger, respectively.
“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigations”.
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
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