Four Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Deportation and Fines for Illegal Mining in Plateau State

Strategic Insights -

Four Chinese nationals, Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong, have been sentenced to deportation, imprisonment, and fines after being convicted of illegal mining activities in Plateau State. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested the suspects on March 9, 2025, following credible intelligence that led to their apprehension at the JLM Mining company site.

Key Takeaways:

  • The defendants were found guilty of unlawful possession and purchase of mineral resources, with Justice Agishi handing down five-year jail sentences or an alternative fine of ₦1 million each.
  • In addition to imprisonment and fines, the court mandated the deportation and permanent ban from re-entering Nigeria of the Chinese nationals.
  • The court also ordered the forfeiture of all mineral resources and financial proceeds obtained from the illegal mining, including ₦134.87 million recovered from Liang Quin Yong.
  • An administrative fine of ₦16.3 million was levied for failure to report financial transactions within seven days, breaching the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang signed Executive Order 001, halting all mining activities statewide, in an effort to curb the rising threat of illegal mining.
  • The crackdown on illegal mining in Plateau highlights Nigeria's intensified effort to safeguard its mineral wealth, protect the environment, and ensure sustainable development in the mining sector.

Statistics:

  • 4 Chinese nationals were sentenced to deportation, imprisonment, and fines for illegal mining activities.
  • ₦134.87 million was recovered from Liang Quin Yong as part of the court's order for the forfeiture of mineral resources and financial proceeds obtained from the illegal mining.
  • ₦16.3 million fine was levied for failure to report financial transactions within seven days, breaching the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Plateau State has significant mineral deposits, including the world's largest known tin and columbite reserves.
  • Executive Order 001 was signed by Governor Mutfwang to halt all mining activities statewide.

Sources:

  • Federal High Court, Jos
  • Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)