Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians for allegedly involving in illegal mining activities in Ogere area, Ogun State.
In a statement on Friday by the commission’s Spokesman, Dele Oyewale, identified the suspects as Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu .
He added that they were apprehended on Friday, during an operation, following credible intelligence received by EFCC and detailed surveillance carried out on their activities.
Dele noted that some items recovered from the suspects include three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder, solid minerals, a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of suspected low-grade lithium, ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights.
The statement partly reads: “At the point of arrest, operatives recovered three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder and other yet-to-be-identified solid minerals.
“Other items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of low grade lithium, Automated Teller Machine, ATM cards, the suspects’ international passports, four pieces of LED Flashlight and other documents. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”