Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has arrested five persons for possession and conveyance of three truckloads of assorted solid minerals suspected to be illegally mined without an appropriate licence in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The suspects, according to EFCC, are three truck drivers and two motor boys, arrested along Maraba Road, Ilorin and Ogbomosho in Oyo State last week, following credible intelligence and surveillance.
EFCC, on its official X handle, said the suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos States respectively for commercial purposes without a requisite licence.
The anti-graft agency recalled that the Ilorin Zonal Command had on February 5, 2024, arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining activities and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without an appropriate licence.
The EFCC further said suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of the investigations.
