From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
A Federal High Court in Ilorin has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to two years in prison or an option of a N1 million fine each for engaging in illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
Their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, was also convicted in the case prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Delivering judgment on Friday, March 7, 2025, Justice Abimbola Awogboro, further ordered the convicts to pay N14 million in royalties to the federal government. In addition, all minerals discovered at their company’s site in Ogun State were forfeited to the government.
The EFCC, through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that the court’s decision reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining, which has contributed to significant revenue losses and environmental degradation. “This conviction sends a strong message that no one is above the law when it comes to Nigeria’s natural resources,” Oyewale said.
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The prosecution, led by Sesan Ola, presented key evidence, including the defendants’ extra-judicial statements, a report from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency, and their passports. After reviewing the case, Justice Awogboro ruled that the EFCC had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The crackdown on illegal mining has intensified in recent years, with authorities seeking to curb the activities of individuals and companies operating without the necessary permits.
