Judge sentences two Chinese to prison for illegal mining in Kwara

Two Chinese nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, have been found guilty of engaging in illicit mining in Kwara State, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

The EFCC revealed in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Thursday that the defendants and their firm, Ebuy Concept Limited, were initially arraigned on April 22 before a Federal High Court located in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on a single count related to illicit mining. 

According to the anti-graft agency, after being arraigned, Yi and Hong entered a not guilty plea and were given bail totaling N5 million plus two sureties apiece.

The statement read in part, “The lone-count charge reads: That you, Ebuy Trading Worldwide Nig. LTD, Duan Ya Hong, and Xiao Yi, sometime in February 2024, at Banni, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, without lawful authority, purchased minerals to wit; 30 tons of minerals conveyed in a Truck, with Registration Number JJJ 386 XT and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1984.”

“They pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

“Consequently, they were granted bail of N5m with two sureties each in like sum. In addition, the court ordered that they be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending the perfection of their bail conditions. Thereafter, the case was adjourned to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, for trial.”

Two Chinese nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, have been found guilty of engaging in illicit mining in Kwara State, according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

The EFCC revealed in a statement posted on its Facebook page on Thursday that the defendants and their firm, Ebuy Concept Limited, were initially arraigned on April 22 before a Federal High Court located in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, on a single count related to illicit mining. 

According to the anti-graft agency, after being arraigned, Yi and Hong entered a not guilty plea and were given bail totaling N5 million plus two sureties apiece.

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