The Federal High Court in Jos has ordered the deportation of four Chinese nationals—Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong—after convicting them of illegal mining in Plateau State. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the defendants on March 9, 2025, following intelligence reports on their unlawful activities at JLM Mining Company in Jos.
Justice Agishi found them guilty of illegally purchasing and possessing mineral resources, sentencing each to five years imprisonment or a ₦1 million fine. The court also permanently banned them from re-entering Nigeria and ordered the forfeiture of ₦134.87 million recovered from Liang Quin Yong, along with all seized minerals.
Additionally, the judge imposed an administrative fine of ₦16.3 million for violating Section 11(1)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, by failing to report the financial transaction to the EFCC’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
Plateau’s Mineral Wealth and Illegal Mining Crisis
Plateau State is rich in tin, columbite, tantalite, gold, and other minerals, making it a hotspot for illegal mining. Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently signed Executive Order 001, suspending all mining activities to curb environmental damage and insecurity linked to illegal operations.
The EFCC’s prosecution underscores the federal government’s crackdown on illicit mining, particularly involving foreign nationals.
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