EFCC arraigns two Chinese over illegal mining activities

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned two Chinese, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, alongside their company, Ebuy Concept Limited, before a Federal High Court in Ilorin over alleged illegal mining activities in Kwara State.

They were arraigned on a one-count charge, which bordered on possessing solid minerals without a licence and failing to pay royalties to the Federal Government as required.

EFCC made the development known on Friday in a post on its X handle, saying the arraignment was made on Monday, April 22.

The post reads, “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 reads: ‘That you, Ebuy Trading Worldwide Nig.LTD, Duan Ya Hong, Xiao Yi, sometime in February 2024 at Banni, in 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’.“