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From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested 11 suspected illegal miners for engaging in mining activities without requisite licences.
EFCC Spokesman, Dele Oyewale ,who confirmed the development yesterday,said the suspects were arrested on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Emem-Asuk community, Eastern Obolo Local Government of the State.
The suspects, seven Chinese: Yang Chaobao, 32, Zhong Dun Yi, 33, Cheng Jiang, 35, Zhong Dun Long, 37, Pan Peiming, 33, Lai Yiping, 37 and Zhu Lekun, 35.
Their Nigerian accomplices are: David Israel, 18, Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24, Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20, and a female translator, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23.
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According to EFCC, the suspects were operating two illegal mining sites at Eastern Obolo LG ,where they were arrested while setting up mining equipment at a second location.
They were already engaged in illegal mining activities at their first location where they were mining ilmenite locally called ‘black sand’
During questioning, the only female among the suspects, said her only connection to the illegal miners was her proficiency in speaking Mandarin, a widely spoken language in China.
“I am a student, and I am studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State, and I only work with them as a translator”, she was quoted.
The suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation”, Oyewale said.
