EFCC arrests two Chinese, others over illegal solid mineral export

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Enugu Zonal Directorate, reported that its operatives have arrested two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, for allegedly attempting to export solid minerals without a permit.

The commission stated that it received intelligence from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on November 3, 2024, regarding the illegal activity, adding that two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, were also apprehended.

This was disclosed via a statement posted by the anti-graft agency on its X handle on Friday.

The statement partly read, “While Jiang was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the others, including two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, were arrested at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.

“Their arrests followed intelligence received by the commission through FAAN on November 3, 2024, regarding Jiang, who was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals, wrapped in three separate pieces, were discovered in his luggage.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects. Investigations further indicated that Jiang was attempting to travel out of the country with the solid minerals for testing purposes in China.

“Further investigation revealed that none of the four suspects possessed a permit to export the solid minerals to China. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed.”

In a related incident, the commission also announced the arrest of two Nigerians on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in Abuja on suspected charges of money laundering and internet-related crimes.

The statement read, “The suspects, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, were arrested at Al-Gamji Estate in the Guzape area of the FCT, following intelligence linking them to criminal activities.

“Items recovered from Ndu include a Mercedes Benz E350 (2019 model), a Range Rover (2016 model), an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces, while items recovered from Uchenna include an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro.

“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”