The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says operatives of its Ilorin Zonal Command have arrested five persons for possession and conveyance of three truckloads of assorted solid minerals suspected to be mined without an appropriate licence.
The anti-graft agency stated this in a Tuesday statement.
According to the EFCC, the suspects are three truck drivers and two truck boys.
“Their arrest, which was effected along Maraba road, Ilorin Kwara State and Ogbomosho, Oyo State between March 21 – 22, 2024, followed credible intelligence and surveillance.
“The suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos States respectively for commercial purposes without a requisite licence.
“The Ilorin Zonal Command had on February 5, 2024 arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining activities and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without an appropriate licence.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the EFCC said.