The Economic and financial crime Commission (EFCC) has taken legal action against two Chinese nationals and their company for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
The suspects, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, along with their company Ebuy Concept Limited, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ilorin.
This was made known in a statement on EFCC’s X handle (former Twitter) on Friday. The anti graft agency said the defendants, who were arraigned on Monday, April 22, are contending with serious charges.
They were accused of possessing and transacting in solid minerals without the necessary government authorization, and failing to pay royalties to the Federal Government in clear violation of Nigerian laws.
“Specifically, the defendants were arraigned on one-count bordering on possession of solid minerals without licence and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.”
The charge against them reads: “That you, Ebuy Trading Worldwide Nig. LTD, Duan Ya Hong, Xiao Yi, sometime in February 2024 at Banni, in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, without lawful authority, purchased minerals to wit; 30 tons of minerals conveyed in a Truck, with Registration Number JJJ 386 XT and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1984.”
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