Two persons, company convicted for illegal mining activities in Kwara
Two Convicted for Illegal Mining in Kwara
ILORIN, Nigeria — A Federal High Court in Ilorin has convicted two individuals and a company for illegal mining, violating the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
Samuel Sunday faced a one-count charge, while Saheed Lawal Akanji and his company, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, were separately arraigned on two counts. The proceedings were led by Justice Abimbola Awogboro.
According to a statement from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the convictions stemmed from credible intelligence regarding unlawful activities involving the processing and trade of solid minerals in Kwara State.
Following this intelligence, EFCC operatives conducted surveillance that resulted in the arrests of several suspects. Sunday was apprehended at his factory in the Olorunda area, while Akanji was arrested at his facility near Ojaja University on Passa Road.
Investigations disclosed that both defendants were engaged in the unauthorized processing of various minerals, including Smithsonite, Calcite, Anhydrite, Tennantite, and Quartz, without the necessary licenses.
The charges against Sunday specified that he unlawfully possessed minerals in June 2026, contrary to the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. Similar charges were brought against Akanji and Saaskrona Nigeria Limited.
Upon arraignment, both Sunday and Akanji pleaded guilty. Rashidat Alao, counsel for the EFCC, presented evidence and documented findings related to the case.
In her ruling, Justice Awogboro sentenced Sunday to 12 months in prison or a fine of 2 million naira. The court also ordered the forfeiture of 140 tonnes of mineral ore recovered at his location to the Federal Government.
Akanji received a similar sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of 1 million naira, while his company was fined 1 million naira. The court mandated that 90 tonnes of minerals from the company be forfeited to the Federal Government as well.
