Metro

EFCC Parades 41 Illegal Miners In Ilorin; Impounds 12 Trucks Loaded With Stolen Mineral Resources

Published

2 years ago

February 6, 2024

Photo: file copy

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Ilorin zonal command on Tuesday paraded 41 illegal miners. arrested within and outside Kwara state.

The Zonal commander, Michael Nzekwe while briefing journalists on the development said that the EFCC made the arrest following credible intelligence over the activities of the illegal miners transporting truckloads of assorted minerals outside the state without due license.

According to him: “preliminary investigations showed that the minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite among others, are being transported outside the country for production of goods at the expense of the Nigerian economy.”

He stated that unnamed foreign nationals were behind the illegal exercise and have been getting across to the commission.

Aside the culprits, Nzekwe added that 12 fully loaded articulated vehicles conveying various natural minerals were impounded at different locations in Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi and Okolowo in Kwara, and Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo state.

Nzekwe said his command was invigorated with “renewed efforts to fish out local and foreign collaborators depriving the country of huge sum of revenue and causing serious environmental hazards to the people through illegal mining activities.”

He harped that illegal mining is punishable with life imprisonment under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983, recalling that the commission had warned that it would be unrelenting in the fight against corruption.

Nzekwe also noted that,”Aside the law that frowns on illegal mining activities, the act is an economic sabotage capable of causing environmental devastation, socio-economic hardship, insecurity, banditry and a host of other vices.”

He said that the suspects now under investigation would be duly prosecuted according to the rule of law.

He gave details of the registration number of the twelve trucks impounded by the anti-graft agency as: FG 179 6B, KWM 398 XA, TRE 419 YJ, ABC 795 XD, KWS 351 XC, ZUR 370 XJ, YL 667 XA, T3815 LA, AAA998XA, SHD 625XA and KWM 416 XA.

Nzekwe who warned that the EFCC would get the illegal miners sooner or later however advised those interested in the mining business to duly register with state,and federal government in order to be able to pay the appropriate governments their due royalties .

Metro

JUST IN: Fire Guts Ogun Guangdong Free Trade Zone In Igbesa

Published

17 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Editor

A fire broke out on Sunday at the Ogun State Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa.

As of this report, there has been no official statement on what caused the incident. However, a resident said the fire was triggered by a gas explosion from a foam-producing company in the industrial park.

The source added that the fire spread quickly, affecting nearby houses before emergency responders arrived.

Details later…

Metro

AAU Postpones Resumption Date

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The management of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, has approved, on behalf of the university’s Senate, the postponement of students’ resumption and commencement of academic activities.

In a statement,
Otunba Mike Aladenika,
Head, Information, Public Relations & Protocol, AAU, said the decision became necessary to enable the university to complete ongoing renovation works on student structures and facilities, aimed at enhancing the overall teaching and learning experience.

“According to him, the management is committed to providing a conducive environment for academic excellence and believes that this temporary adjustment will ultimately benefit our students.

“While the university management intends to announce a new resumption date, any student(s) still in our hostels are advised to vacate with immediate effect to allow for effective ongoing renovation works

“In light of this development, the university regrets to announce that the 140th Inaugural Lecture, originally scheduled for Thursday, 15th January 2026, and ongoing examinations have been postponed.

“A new date for the lecture and the completion of the examinations will be communicated to all stakeholders in due course.

“The university appreciates the understanding and cooperation of students, parents, and guardians on this matter.

“We urge all students to adhere to the new resumption date and prepare for a productive academic session.

“Parents and guardians are kindly requested to ensure their children/wards are aware of and comply with the revised resumption schedule.”

Metro

Protest Rocks Ekpoma Over Incessant Kidnapping

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

Residents of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday protested against incessant kidnappings in the area.

Ekpoma, in recent times has been under attack by kidnappers who snatched residents from their homes.

The protest grounded commercial activities as students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, also joined in the protest.

The protesters, in anger, also pulled down campaign billboards for the 2027 general elections mounted in the university hosting town.

Speaking on the protest, Principal Security Officer to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Austin Eigbiremolen, assured that adequate security would be deployed to Ekpoma.

According to him, the kidnappers would be chased away from the area in no distance time.

Also reacting to the protest, Edo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Eno Ikoedem, dismissed was top of the security situation in Ekpoma, adding the state Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, was already in Ekpoma.

Ikoedem said nine persons who were kidnapped on Friday were rescued unhurt after the Eagle Combat Drone Unit was deployed to the forest alongside local hunters.

“In the heat of the rescue operation, the kidnappers’ camp was located through real-time aerial intelligence.

“The ground troops stormed the camp, forcing the kidnappers to flee and abandon two locally fabricated AK-49 rifles.

“The victims, including five children were rescued unhurt. This landmark deployment underscores the transformative role of technology in modern policing and sets a new benchmark for operational enhancement in Edo State,” she said.