The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, for allegedly trying to export solid minerals without permit.
According to the EFCC, the arrests took place after intelligence was provided by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on November 3, 2024.
Two Nigerian citizens, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, were also detained in connection with the incident. The EFCC disclosed this through a statement on its social media handle on Friday.
The statement explained, “While Jiang was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the others, including two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, were arrested at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. Jiang was intercepted at the hold baggage screening point, where suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals, wrapped in three separate pieces, were discovered in his luggage.”
Initial investigations indicated that Agupusi, who owns Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects. The EFCC noted that Jiang was allegedly attempting to take the minerals to China for testing but lacked the necessary export permit.
“None of the four suspects possessed a permit to export the solid minerals to China. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed,” the EFCC statement added.
In a separate case, the EFCC announced on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, that two Nigerians were arrested in Abuja for suspected involvement in money laundering and internet-related crimes.
The suspects, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, were apprehended at Al-Gamji Estate in Guzape, Abuja.
Recovered items from Ndu included a 2019 Mercedes Benz E350, a 2016 Range Rover, an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces. Items seized from Uchenna included an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro.
The EFCC said both suspects would face charges once investigations are complete.
