4 Chinese illegal miners face deportation in Nigeria

The Federal High Court in Jos has convicted and ordered the deportation of four Chinese nationals for engaging in illegal mining activities in Plateau State. The defendants — Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong — were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 9 at the JLM Mining Company site.

Justice D. V. Agishi sentenced each to five years imprisonment or an option of a ₦1 million fine. In addition to the sentences, the court mandated their deportation and imposed a permanent ban on their return to Nigeria.

The EFCC disclosed that the arrests followed credible intelligence about foreign nationals unlawfully mining solid minerals in the state. The court found them guilty of illegal possession and purchase of mineral resources and violations of Nigeria’s money laundering laws.

As part of the judgment, ₦134.87 million recovered from Liang Quin Yong was forfeited to the federal government. The court also ordered the seizure of all mineral resources and proceeds from the illegal operation. A further ₦16.3 million administrative fine was levied for failing to report financial transactions within the seven-day window required by the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Plateau State is one of Nigeria’s most mineral-rich regions, historically known for its tin and columbite deposits. Other valuable resources include gold, silver, iron ore, and uranium. However, illegal mining has plagued the state, leading to environmental degradation, insecurity, and economic losses.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang recently signed Executive Order 001, banning all mining activities in a bid to crack down on unregulated operations and reclaim state control over its natural resources.

This latest conviction underscores the government’s push to rein in illegal mining and enforce stricter compliance across the extractive sector.