The Federal High Court in Ilorin sentenced two Chinese nationals to two years in prison for illegal mining, offering a fine option. They are required to pay N14 million in royalties and forfeit minerals found at their company. This incident highlights ongoing challenges with illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly involving foreign nationals.
The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has convicted two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, for illegal mining, sentencing them to two years in prison but allowing an alternative of a fine. Moreover, the court mandated the convicts to pay N14 million in royalties to the federal government and forfeited all solid minerals discovered at their company location in Ogun State to the government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged the defendants and their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, with illegal solid minerals mining under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. This act prohibits altering ore through unauthorized means to deceive or defraud, carrying a penalty of two years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000 if convicted. Both defendants entered guilty pleas, resulting in the presentation of evidence by the prosecuting counsel, Sesan Ola, which led to their conviction by the trial judge, Abimbola Awogboro.
Illegal mining remains a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy, characterized by unregulated activities contributing to resource depletion. Despite prior convictions, ongoing illegal mining operations persist, particularly involving foreign nationals. Notably, in October 2022, Dang Deng, the Managing Director of Sinuo Xinyang Nigeria Ltd., was convicted for possessing 25 tons of illegally extracted minerals. The EFCC continues to actively address such violations, arresting five Chinese nationals in September 2024 for illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State and detaining three Chinese and two Nigerian individuals in October 2024 for similar offenses in Nasarawa State.
The conviction of Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan underscores the judicial response to illegal mining in Nigeria. The court’s decision to offer a fine indicates a nuanced approach to enforcement while the continued involvement of foreign nationals in these illegal activities emphasizes a persistent challenge for Nigerian authorities. Moving forward, increased measures are essential to mitigate illegal mining and protect the nation’s economic resources.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
