The suspects paraded by EFCC
By ANIEFIOK Udonquak, Uyo –
Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 11 persons over illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State
The commission in a press release signed by its Head, Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said they were arrested on Thursday July 24, 2025, at Emem-Asuk community, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
According to the statement, the suspects are seven Chinese nationals identified as: 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 accomplices are: David Israel, 18, Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24, Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20, and a female translator named Comfort Gabriel Ajaga , 23.
He said the suspects were operating two illegal mining sites at Eastern Obolo Local Government Area where they were arrested while setting up mining equipment at a second location.
“They were already engaged in illegal mining activities at their first location where they were mining ilmenite locally called ‘black sand, ” he stated
During questioning, the only female among the suspects said her only connection to the illegal miners was her proficiency in speaking ‘mandarin’, a widely spoken language in China.
“I am a student, and I am studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State and I only work with them as a translator”, she said.
The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation, the statement added.
