Courtroom orders seizure of vehicles carrying illegally mined strong minerals in Ilorin
The Federal Excessive Courtroom in Ilorin has ordered the seizure of 9 vehicles loaded with strong minerals linked to unlawful mining in Kwara and Oyo States.
This growth was confirmed in an announcement launched by the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee (EFCC) on its official X account on Wednesday.
The motion is a part of the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on unlicensed mining and transportation of minerals within the area, aimed toward curbing unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral assets.
The EFCC said that Justice Abimbola Awogboro granted the order following an ex parte utility by the Fee. The vehicles have been intercepted throughout a sting operation on February 1, 2026, which additionally resulted within the arrest of a number of suspects. Investigations revealed that the minerals have been mined and transported with out lawful authority.
The Fee sought the interim attachment of the autos underneath Sections 6(d), 7(2), and 34(1) of the EFCC (Institution) Act, 2004, in addition to Part 329 of the Administration of Prison Justice Act. The court docket order prevents disposal, sale, lease, mortgage, or tampering with the vehicles and their contents pending the conclusion of investigations.
EFCC counsel, Cosmas Ugwu, offered a ten-paragraph affidavit from investigator Ali Aji Muhammed, confirming that the vehicles have been carrying minerals sourced from unlicensed miners. Justice Awogboro granted the applying, ordering the interim forfeiture of the 9 vehicles and the minerals they contained.
The seizures spotlight the continuing enforcement measures towards unlawful mining operations in Nigeria.
Unlawful mining has been a recurring problem within the nation. In July 2025, the EFCC arrested seven Chinese language nationals and 4 Nigerians for related offences in Akwa Ibom State. The arrests have been performed by operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate at Emem-Asuk group within the Jap Obolo Native Authorities Space.
Nigeria’s strong mineral sector holds immense {economic} potential. The Minister of Strong Minerals Growth, Mr. Dele Alake, revealed in the course of the United Nations Basic Meeting in New York in September 2023 that the nation’s mineral assets are valued at over $700 billion.
Including a global dimension, the Chinese language authorities has rejected claims by 5 US lawmakers that Chinese language nationals are sponsoring unlawful mining and funding armed {groups} in Nigeria. The Chinese language Embassy described the allegations as baseless and burdened that Chinese language firms working in Nigeria adjust to native legal guidelines, assist communities, shield the atmosphere, and collaborate with authorities to enhance mining governance.