Court Convicts Two Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining in Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Ilorin sentenced two Chinese nationals to two years in prison for illegal mining, providing a fine option. They are also required to pay N14 million in royalties and forfeit minerals found on their company’s premises. The case emphasizes ongoing challenges related to illegal mining in Nigeria, involving foreign nationals despite previous convictions.

The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has convicted two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to two years of imprisonment for illegal mining. However, the court has extended an option of a fine to the convicts. Furthermore, they are mandated to remit N14 million in royalties to the Nigerian federal government and forfeit all solid minerals discovered at their company’s site in Ogun State.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought charges against these individuals and their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, for illegal mining, which violates Section 134(b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. This section prohibits manipulating samples or ore to embellish their value. The defense conceded guilt to the charges, prompting prosecuting counsel, Sesan Ola, to present additional evidence supporting the case, leading to their conviction.

Illegal mining has been recognized as a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy, involving foreign nationals who partake in unauthorized mining activities. Recent statistics reveal ongoing issues despite prior convictions, as illustrated by the October 2022 case, where Dang Deng, MD of Sinuo Xinyang Nigeria Ltd., was sentenced for possessing illegally mined minerals.

Continued efforts by the EFCC in September 2024 resulted in the arrest of five Chinese individuals in Akwa Ibom State for operating an illegal mining site. Similarly, in October 2024, additional arrests involved three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians caught mining various minerals illegally in Nasarawa State. These incidents underscore the persisting challenge of illegal mining in Nigeria, reflecting the urgent need for impactful reforms in the sector.

The conviction of Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan signifies the commitment of Nigerian authorities to combat illegal mining practices, which are detrimental to the nation’s economy. Notably, the option of a fine reflects a judicial approach balancing punitive measures with financial restitution. Continuous arrests of foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities further highlight the complexities of enforcing mining regulations in Nigeria, emphasizing the necessity for stricter oversight and legal compliance in the sector.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com