The Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, has ordered the deportation of four Chinese nationals—Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong—convicted for illegal mining of solid minerals in the state.Justice Dorcas V. Agishi ruled that the individuals be deported and permanently banned from re-entering Nigeria, with N134 million recovered from them forfeited to the federal government.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday. The four were arrested on March 8, 2025, at the JLM Mining company site based on credible intelligence regarding their involvement in illegal mining operations in Jos.
Each of the defendants faced a separate one-count charge related to illegal dealings in solid minerals without proper authorization, contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983.They pleaded guilty to the charges during their arraignment. EFCC prosecutors M.O. Arumemi and F.A.I. Asemebo requested convictions, asserting that the agency had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Agishi sentenced each of the convicts to five years imprisonment or a fine of N1,000,000 for unlawful purchase and possession of mineral resources.The judge also ordered the forfeiture of proceeds from the crime, including the sum of N134,874,769.01 from Liang Quin Yong, as well as all recovered mineral resources.
Additionally, an administrative fine of N16,300,000 was imposed for failing to report financial transactions within the statutory period to the EFCC’s Special Control Unit against Money Laundering, in line with Section 11(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Source : https://nairametrics.com/
