Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Ilorin has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to prison for illegal mining of solid minerals in Kwara State. They, along with their company Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, were charged accordingly. The court concluded that they engaged in mining without lawful authority, violating the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

Upon pleading guilty, the prosecution presented their case, supported by evidence including extra-judicial statements and reports from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency. Justice Awogboro confirmed the case was proven beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced each defendant to two years in prison or a fine of N1 million, which also extends to their company.

Additionally, the convicts are required to pay N14 million in royalties to the Nigerian government, and all solid minerals located on the company’s premises in Ogun State are forfeited to the federal government as part of the sentencing.

The two Chinese nationals were convicted for illegal mining activities, receiving prison sentences and fines as punishment. They must also pay royalties to the government, underscoring the legal consequences of illegal mining in Nigeria. This case highlights ongoing enforcement against unlawful mineral extraction in the region.

Original Source: von.gov.ng

The post Two Chinese Nationals Convicted for Illegal Mining in Kwara first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.