By Joe Udo
OBOLO (CONVERSEER) – Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 11 suspects for alleged illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.
The suspects, comprising seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians, were apprehended on Thursday, 24 July 2025, at Emem-Asuk community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
The Chinese suspects were 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 counterparts were David Israel, 18; Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24; Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20; and Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23, who acted as a translator.
According to the EFCC, the group operated two illegal mining sites, where they were involved in extracting ilmenite, locally known as “black sand”. The arrests took place while the suspects were setting up mining equipment at a second location.
Ajaga, the only female among them, claimed she was merely engaged as an interpreter due to her proficiency in Mandarin. “I am a student, and I am studying the Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State. I only work with them as a translator,” she told investigators.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution upon completion of investigations.
