Two Chinese Nationals Charged To Court Over Illegal Mining Of Gold In Ondo

According to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, two Chinese nationals, a Kogi State native, and four others were apprehended for illegal gold mining in Ondo’s Ogunlepa’s Forest Reserve.

The Federal government under Tinubu’s leadership has taken legal action against two Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal gold mining activities in Ondo State.

Minister Alake expressed a strong stance against criminal elements in the mining sector and emphasized the commitment to combat illegal practices.

Alake mentioned, “We are resolute in cleansing the mining sector and have filed charges against suspected illegal miners recently apprehended in Kogi and Ondo, including two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in Kogi, along with four individuals found unlawfully mining gold in Ondo’s Ogunlepa Forest Reserve. They have all been arraigned in the Federal High Court in Abuja.

“A crucial part of my strategy to eradicate illegal mining involves bolstering the operations of our Mining Marshals through advanced technology and satellite surveillance.”

The Minister urged illegal miners to cease their activities and regularize their operations, emphasizing the relentless prosecution of illegal mining.

“I implore anyone engaged in illegal mining to adhere to the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NNMA) and legitimize their operations. Our determination to take firm action against illegal practices remains steadfast, and we will uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of illegality,” Alake reiterated on his official platform.