The Federal High Court in Ilorin has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Yang Chao and Wu Shan Chuan, to two years imprisonment for illegal mining activities in Kwara State. Their company, Crius Chemical Nigeria Limited, was also implicated in the offense.
The court, presided over by Justice Abimbola Awogboro, found the defendants guilty of engaging in mining operations without the necessary authorizations, a violation of Section 134(b) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. The charge specified that the illegal activities occurred around March 2024.
In addition to the prison sentences, the convicts were given the option to pay fines. The court also mandated the payment of ₦14 million in royalties to the federal government.
This case underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to regulating the mining sector and addressing illegal activities that undermine the nation’s economic interests.
