By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Five Chinese nationals—Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng—have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s spokesperson, the arrests took place in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, located in Ibiono Local Government Area. Zhon Qinping was apprehended on September 10, 2024, while Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng were arrested earlier on August 29, 2024, at the same location.
The arrests were carried out by the EFCC’s Special Task Force on Illegal Mining based in Uyo, after receiving credible intelligence about the illegal operations of foreign mining companies in the Eket and Ibieno areas of Akwa Ibom.
EFCC investigations suggest that the arrested individuals were engaged in the illegal mining of ilmenite, a mineral used in producing titanium and iron oxide. The agency confirmed that the suspects will be charged in court once the ongoing investigation is concluded.