Court Sentences Two for Illegal Mining in Kwara

The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, convicted and sentenced two individuals, Samuel Sunday and Saheed Lawal Akanji, for illegal mining activities in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the convictions following successful prosecution by its Ilorin Zonal Directorate.

The defendants were charged with unlawful dealing in and processing of solid minerals without the necessary licenses. They were arrested based on credible intelligence indicating illegal activities in Kwara State.

Sunday was apprehended at his factory in Olorunda, while Akanji was arrested at his factory opposite Ojaja University. Both pleaded guilty to the charges.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro sentenced Sunday to 12 months’ imprisonment with a N2 million fine and ordered the forfeiture of 140 tonnes of mineral ore. Akanji received the same prison sentence with a N1 million fine, and Saaskrona Nigeria Limited was fined N1 million, with 90 tonnes of minerals forfeited to the Federal Government.