By Adeleye Kunle
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Paul Odama, has commended the efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ilorin Zonal Command in checking illegal mining activities in the state.
He gave the commendation on Friday, during an official visit to the Commission’s Office along Catchment Close, GRA, Ilorin, in the state capital.
Track News recalls that the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC recently arrested no fewer than 80 persons over alleged illegal mining activities and impounded about 24 trucks of assorted crude minerals at different locations in the state.
One of the suspects was a Chinese national, Dang Deng who was successfully prosecuted and found guilty of one count charge of possession of illegally mined minerals without lawful authority.
He was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment on Wednesday, by Justice Mohammed Sani of the Federal High Court, Ilorin.
The Commissioner of Police, who recently assumed duty in the state, described as “a bold step” the efforts of the EFCC in curbing the illegal mining activities in the state.
“I was amazed when I saw some of the impounded trucks on my way to your office this morning.
“And, I say to myself that EFCC is doing a wonderful job. We will collaborate with you in tackling the menace of illegal operators who are mining mineral deposits in the state for personal enrichment because it is a criminal offence under the law. It is indeed, an act of economic sabotage,” Odama said
