The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said 11 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities were arrested in Kwara State.
The EFCC reported that they also seized eight truckloads of various minerals from the suspects.
In a statement released by Dele Oyewale, the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity on Friday, the arrests were made based on credible intelligence gathered at different locations in Ogbomosho.
The suspects were caught transporting a range of solid minerals, including marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite, to undisclosed destinations without legal authorisation.
Oyewale identified the suspects as Ibrahim Gambo, Hakeem Saka, Ahmad Muktar, Sulaiman Ibrahim, Ibrahim Muhammad, Jamiu Mustapha, Rabiu Musa, Aisha Muham, Abdulwasiu Hannafi, Qudus Olalere, and Babatunde Hakeem.
He stated that they will face charges once investigations are concluded.
“Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested eleven persons and impounded eight truckload of assorted minerals for suspected involvement in Illegal mining activities in Ilorin, Kwara State
“The suspects are Ibrahim Gambo, Hakeem Saka, Ahmad Muktar, Sulaiman Ibrahim, Ibrahim Muhammad, Jamiu Mustapha, Rabiu Musa, Aisha Muham, Abdulwasiu Hannafi, Qudus Olalere and Babatunde Hakeem.
“They were arrested on Wednesday, May 5, 2024, upon credible intelligence at different locations in Ogbomosho, Oyo State and while conveying assorted solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium, lepidolite to undisclosed destinations without lawful authority.
“The suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.”