The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Zonal Directorate has announced the arrest of two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, for allegedly attempting to illegally export solid minerals without the required permits.
The arrests were made after the commission received intelligence from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024, about the suspected illegal activity. Alongside the Chinese nationals, two Nigerians, identified as Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, were also apprehended.
In a statement posted on its X handle, the EFCC disclosed that Jiang was detained at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, while Agupusi and Agu were arrested at the Enugu Zonal Directorate.
The EFCC stated, “The arrests follow credible intelligence provided by FAAN, indicating a potential violation of solid mineral export regulations.”
The commission reported that Jiang was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where three suspiciously wrapped stones, believed to be solid minerals, were discovered in his luggage. These stones were allegedly intended for export to China.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, identified as the owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, employed the other suspects.
The EFCC further explained that Jiang was attempting to take the minerals to China under the pretense of testing purposes.
“Further investigation revealed that none of the four suspects possessed a permit to export the solid minerals to China,” the statement added.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects would be charged in court once investigations are complete.
In a separate incident, the EFCC announced the arrest of two additional Nigerian suspects in Abuja on November 6, 2024, on charges related to money laundering and internet fraud.
The suspects, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, were apprehended at Al-Gamji Estate in Guzape, Abuja, after intelligence linked them to alleged criminal activities.
Recovered items from Ndu include a 2019 Mercedes Benz, a 2016 Range Rover, an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces.
Uchenna was found in possession of an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro. The EFCC stated that both suspects would face court proceedings as soon as investigations are finalized.
