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Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N2.7bn Illegal Mining Proceeds

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Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N2.7bn Illegal Mining Proceeds

Federal High Court Orders Final Forfeiture of N2.7 Billion to FG.

In a significant victory for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the final forfeiture of N2,739,836,331.31 to the federal government. The sum, linked to illegal mining of solid minerals in Endo Community, Nasarawa State, was deemed proceeds of unlawful activities.

 Background of the Case

The EFCC had filed an application on September 27, 2024, seeking the final forfeiture of the sum, which was reasonably suspected to be proceeds of illegal activities. This followed an interim forfeiture order granted on July 8, 2024, and published in The Punch Newspaper on August 8, 2024, allowing legitimate claimants to come forward.

 Withdrawal of Opposition

On Wednesday, Ibrahim Idris, SAN, counsel to the defendants, Lideal Mines Ltd and Etong Agrotech Nigeria Ltd, withdrew his application challenging the final forfeiture. The prosecution did not object to the withdrawal.

 Breakdown of Forfeited Funds

The forfeited funds are distributed across four bank accounts belonging to the defendants:

–  N102,835,460.85 in a Zenith Bank account (Lideal Mines Ltd)
N1,288,265,692.11 in a Zenith Bank account (Etong Agrotech Nigeria Ltd)
–  N1,187,909,426.70 in a UBA account (Etong Agrotech Nigeria Ltd)
–  N160,825,751.70 in a Globus Bank account (Etong Agrotech Nigeria Ltd)

 Next Steps

Justice Nwite has adjourned the matter until October 23, 2024, for the hearing of applications seeking the final forfeiture of other sums linked to the three defendants.

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Crime Watch

EFCC Arrests Four for Alleged Illegal Solid Minerals Trade

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EFCC Arrests Four for Alleged Illegal Solid Minerals Trade

Chinese Brothers, Two Nigerians Detained for Suspected Illegal Mining.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested two Chinese brothers, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, along with two Nigerian accomplices, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, for allegedly attempting to export solid minerals without the required permit.

The arrest was made possible by an intelligence tip from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024. Wang Jiang was apprehended at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after suspicious stones, believed to be solid minerals, were found in his luggage during the hold baggage screening.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, is the employer of the other suspects. It was also discovered that Wang Jiang intended to travel to China to conduct tests on the solid minerals. However, none of the four suspects possessed the necessary permit to export the minerals to China.

Charges and Next Steps

The suspects will face charges in court once investigations are concluded. This development highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining activities in Nigeria.

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Crime Watch

Kwara Police Arrest Suspects for Okada Rider’s Grisly Murder

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Kwara Police Arrest Suspects for Okada Rider's Grisly Murder

Kwara State Police Command Arrests Three Suspects for Grisly Murder of Okada Rider.

The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended three individuals, Peter Samuel, Jeremiah Tiozinda, and Sunday Agbenke, for allegedly beheading a commercial motorcyclist and stealing his motorcycle in the Asunlere area of Oke Oyi, Ilorin.

Investigation and Arrest

On November 4, 2024, residents of Asunlere community reported the discovery of a headless body near a stream. Detectives swiftly responded, capturing photographic evidence indicating severe violence around the neck ¹. The victim’s body was evacuated to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Recovered Evidence

At the crime scene, police recovered an Itel Android phone and the stolen motorcycle, which were later confirmed to belong to the suspects ¹. Further investigation led to the apprehension of the suspects, who confessed to committing the crime.

Confession and Motive

Peter Samuel, one of the suspects, revealed that Sunday Agbenke, the ringleader, had planned the murder to steal the victim’s newly purchased motorcycle, intending to sell it for financial gain. Samuel confessed to beheading the victim after his companion struck the rider with a plank.

Next Steps

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for thorough investigation. The suspects will soon face arraignment in court.

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DHQ Issues Wanted Notice for Nine Suspects Linked to North East Terrorism

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DHQ Issues Wanted Notice for Nine Suspects Linked to North East Terrorism

Nine Persons Declared Wanted by Defence Headquarters for Terrorism.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine individuals wanted in connection with terrorism and violent extremism activities in Nigeria’s North East region. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the announcement during a briefing in Abuja. The wanted individuals are:

– Abu Khadijah
– Abur Rahman
– Dadi Gumba
– Abu Yusuf
– Musa Wa’a
– Usman Kanin Shehu
– Ibrahim Suyeka
– Ba Sulhu
– Idris Taklakse

This declaration comes amid intensified military operations in the region, where the armed forces have been working to counter terrorist threats and safeguard national assets. Recent efforts have seen significant successes, including:

– Foiling of multiple terror plots
– Elimination of 192 terrorists
– Arrest of 341 others in just one week
– Rescue of three kidnapped victims in Benue state

The DHQ urges citizens to provide any information that may aid in the apprehension of these individuals.

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