The Federal Government of Nigeria has charged two Chinese nationals with illegal gold mining in Ondo State. The announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who revealed that the two Chinese, along with one Kogi State indigene and four other suspects, were arrested in Ogunlepa’s Forest Reserve in Ondo.
In a statement released on Monday, Alake emphasized his commitment to eradicating criminal activities in the mining sector. He noted that the suspects have been charged in the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Alake highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of Mining Marshals through technological and satellite monitoring to combat illegal mining. He also urged those involved in illegal mining to cease their activities and comply with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA).
The Minister reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward illegal mining and affirmed that efforts to regulate and prosecute offenders will continue without compromise.
News Editor