Court Convicts Two Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining in Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Ilorin has convicted two Chinese nationals for illegal mining, offering them an option of a fine along with additional financial penalties. The case sheds light on persistent illegal mining activities in Nigeria, particularly by foreign nationals, and emphasizes the country’s legal efforts to combat this issue.

The Federal High Court located in Ilorin, Kwara State, has convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to two years in prison for their involvement in illegal mining activities. However, the court has provided an option to pay a fine instead. The trial judge mandated the convicts to pay N14 million in royalties to the federal government and ordered the forfeiture of any solid minerals on the premises of their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, to the state.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the case, charging the two individuals and their company with dealing in illegal solid minerals mining, as outlined in Section 134(b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. This section defines illegal mining practices and imposes a penalty of two years imprisonment or a fine of N500,000. Following their guilty plea, the judge, Abimbola Awogboro, ordered them to pay a fine of N1 million, which extends to their company as well.

Illegal mining poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy, defined as mining conducted without legal authorization. The trend of foreign nationals engaging in this illegal practice is alarming. For instance, in October 2022, Dang Deng, the Managing Director of Sinuo Xinyang Nigeria Ltd., was convicted for possessing 25 tons of illegally mined minerals, exemplifying the ongoing issue despite legal action against violators.

Recent enforcement actions taken by the EFCC have included the arrest of five Chinese nationals in September 2024, who were accused of illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State. These individuals were allegedly involved in extracting ilmenite at an unauthorized site. Moreover, in October 2024, three Chinese nationals and two Nigerians were apprehended while mining fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin in Nasarawa State, indicating the persistence of this illicit activity.

The conviction of Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing issue of illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly involving foreign nationals. The imposition of fines and forfeiture of illegally mined minerals reflects the judicial system’s commitment to enforcing laws that protect Nigeria’s economic interests. Continued vigilance and enforcement actions by the EFCC are essential in combating this threat to the nation.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com