In a landmark judgment, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of four Chinese nationals who were sentenced to prison terms by the Jos division of the Federal High Court. The individuals, identified as Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong, were found guilty of illegal mining of solid minerals in the state.
According to a statement released by the EFCC on its social media handle, the defendants were arrested on March 8, 2025, at the JLM Mining company site following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in illegal mining activities in Jos, Plateau State. Each of the accused faced a separate one-count charge for the unlawful purchase and possession of mineral resources without lawful authority, in violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983. Upon arraignment, all four pleaded guilty, prompting prosecuting counsels from the EFCC to urge the court to convict them, having established their culpability beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Dorcas Agishi, in delivering her judgment, sentenced each of the convicts to five years in prison or an option of a fine of N1,000,000. Additionally, the judge ordered their deportation and permanent ban from re-entering Nigeria, further emphasizing the severity of their crimes. The court also ordered the forfeiture of all proceeds of crime to the Federal Government, with Liang Quin Yong directed to forfeit N134,874,769.01, the proceeds from illegal mineral purchases. All mineral resources recovered during the investigation were confiscated as well.
Moreover, an administrative fine of N16,300,000 was imposed for the failure to report financial transactions to the Special Control Unit against Money Laundering (SCUML), as required under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. This comprehensive judgment not only addresses the specific crimes committed by the four Chinese nationals but also underscores the commitment of Nigerian authorities to combating illegal mining activities and associated financial crimes. The case serves as a significant deterrent to potential offenders and highlights the importance of adherence to legal and regulatory requirements in the mining sector.
