The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two Chinese nationals and two Nigerians who were allegedly attempting to illegally export solid minerals out of Nigeria. According to a statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Chinese nationals, identified as siblings Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, were detained alongside Nigerian accomplices Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu.
Wang Jiang was apprehended at Enugu’s Akanu Ibiam International Airport after suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals were discovered in his luggage during routine baggage screening. Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu were subsequently detained at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
The EFCC’s action followed intelligence from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024. According to Oyewale, preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, was the employer of the other suspects, with Jiang planning to transport the minerals to China for testing.
Investigations confirmed that none of the suspects had valid permits to export the solid minerals. The EFCC stated that the suspects will face legal charges upon conclusion of the investigation.
Hyelsinta Hassan