The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested eleven individuals suspected of illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State, the anti-graft agency announced on its social media platform today.
Thank you for reading this post; don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
The arrests, carried out by operatives from the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate, took place on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Emem-Asuk community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. The suspects include seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians who allegedly engaged in mining operations without proper licensing.
The Chinese nationals arrested have been identified as 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 Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23), who served as a translator for the group.
According to the EFCC, the suspects were operating two illegal mining sites within Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. They were apprehended while setting up mining equipment at a second location, having already commenced illegal extraction activities at their first site, where they were mining ilmenite, locally known as “black sand.”
During interrogation, Ajaga, the only female suspect, explained that her role in the operation was limited to translation services due to her proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.
“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 told investigators.
The EFCC stated that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of their investigation into the illegal mining activities.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: http://bit.ly/3I7mQVx
Or scan the QR code:
