Two Individuals and Company Convicted, Fined Over Illicit Mining Activities
The Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has convicted two individuals and a company for engaging in illegal mining activities. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed the convictions following investigations into unlawful dealing in solid minerals without required licenses.
Conviction Details: Samuel Sunday and Saheed Lawal Akanji were each sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, while their company, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, was fined N1 million. The court also ordered the forfeiture of mineral ore recovered from both parties' sites to the Federal Government.How the Case Unfolded
The EFCC's Ilorin Zonal Directorate received credible intelligence that some individuals were illegally processing and trading solid minerals in Kwara State without obtaining essential licenses. After a thorough investigation, operatives apprehended Sunday at his factory in Olorunda and Akanji near Ojaja University along Passa Road.
Impact of the Illegal Mining Practices
Infringements on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 were revealed during investigations. The defendants were dealing with minerals including Smithsonite, Calcite, Anhydrite, Tennantite, and Quartz without proper authorizations.
Fines Imposed
Sunday was sentenced to a N2 million fine in addition to his prison term, while Akanji faced a N1 million fine. The court further required the confiscation of 90 tonnes of minerals from Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, which remains open for trading and processing activities legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question? What minerals were involved in this illegal mining case?
According to the report, Smithsonite, Calcite, Anhydrite, Tennantite, and Quartz were among the minerals processed without proper licenses.
Question? Which individuals and company received sentences for the illegal mining activities?
Two individuals, Samuel Sunday and Saheed Lawal Akanji, along with their company Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, were convicted by the Federal High Court in Ilorin.
Question? What are the exact fines imposed on the convicted parties?
Sunday was ordered to pay N2 million as a fine and serve 12 months’ imprisonment. Akanji received a sentence of 12 months and paid a N1 million fine, while Saaskrona Nigeria Limited had to pay an additional N1 million.