The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two individuals and a mining company for engaging in illegal mining activities in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, as the anti-graft agency continues its crackdown on unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.
The convictions were secured by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the EFCC before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The convicted persons are Samuel Sunday, who was arraigned on a one-count charge, and Saheed Lawal Akanji, alongside his company, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, who faced separate two-count charges relating to illegal mining operations.
According to the EFCC, the defendants were prosecuted for engaging in mining activities without complying with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, legislation enacted to regulate the exploration and exploitation of Nigeria’s vast solid mineral resources.
The Commission said the offences form part of a growing trend of illegal mining, which has continued to deprive the Federal Government of substantial revenue while exposing host communities to environmental degradation, insecurity and economic losses.
During the court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence establishing that the defendants carried out mining operations contrary to the requirements of the law.
Justice Awogboro subsequently found the defendants guilty and convicted them in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
The EFCC described the convictions as another milestone in its sustained campaign against illegal mining, stressing that the agency remains committed to prosecuting individuals and corporate organisations involved in the unlawful extraction of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The Commission noted that illegal mining has become a major concern in several parts of the country, contributing to environmental destruction, illegal financial flows and security challenges, particularly in mineral-rich states.
It reiterated its resolve to work closely with relevant government agencies to protect Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, ensure compliance with existing regulations and bring economic saboteurs to justice.
The EFCC further warned that individuals and companies operating in the mining sector without the necessary licences and approvals would continue to face investigation and prosecution under the law.
The agency urged operators in the solid minerals industry to comply fully with regulatory requirements to promote sustainable mining, environmental protection and economic development.
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