Justice Abimbola Awogboro ordered jail terms, millions in fines, and the forfeiture of over 200 tonnes of illegally mined solid minerals in Kwara State.

A significant legal victory against illicit activities has been secured in Nigeria, with a Federal High Court in Ilorin convicting two individuals and a company for illegal mining. This landmark ruling targets operations that blatantly contravened the country's stringent Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, highlighting a strong stance against resource exploitation.

The convicted parties are Samuel Sunday, who faced a single charge, and Saheed Lawal Akanji, along with his company, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, who were jointly arraigned on a two-count charge. Their prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) underscores the federal government's commitment to protecting its natural resources.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro presided over the cases, delivering judgments that included both prison sentences and substantial financial penalties. The court also ordered the forfeiture of hundreds of tonnes of illegally extracted minerals to the Federal Government of Nigeria, according to reporting by Daily Post Nigeria.

Illegal Mining Operation Uncovered by EFCC

The journey to these convictions began with credible intelligence received by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The information alleged that several individuals were actively involved in the illegal dealing and processing of solid minerals within Kwara State, operating without the mandatory licenses.

Acting swiftly on this intelligence, EFCC operatives initiated surveillance operations that ultimately led to a series of arrests. Samuel Sunday was apprehended at his factory situated in the Olorunda area, near Deeper Life Camp, Eiyenkorin. Separately, Saheed Lawal Akanji was taken into custody at his factory, which is located opposite Ojaja University, along Passa Road, also in Eiyenkorin, Kwara State.

Investigations following these arrests uncovered a vast network of unlawful mineral processing. The defendants were found to be illegally dealing in and processing a variety of solid minerals, including Smithsonite, Calcite, Anhydrite, Tennantite, and Quartz, all without the necessary permits required by the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

Charges and Guilty Pleas for Illegal Mining

The charges laid against the defendants were specific and serious. Samuel Sunday faced a one-count charge, which alleged: “That you, Samuel Sunday, sometime in June 2026, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, did possess minerals without permit contrary to the provisions of Section 93, read along with Section 131(d) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 134(b) of the same Act.”

Similarly, Saheed Lawal Akanji and his company, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, were arraigned on a two-count charge. Count One for them read: “That you, SAASKRONA NIGERIA LIMITED and Saheed Lawal Akanji (Director, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited), sometime in June 2026, within the judicial division of the Federal High Court, did possess minerals without permit, contrary to the provisions of Section 93, read along with Section 131(d) of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 134(b) of the same Act.”

Upon their arraignment before Justice Abimbola Awogboro, all defendants entered guilty pleas to their respective charges. Following these admissions, the EFCC counsel, Rashidat Alao, presented a detailed review of the facts of the cases, supported by tendered documentary evidence and physical mineral samples recovered during the investigation.

Sentences and Forfeitures Imposed

In her final judgment, Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down stern penalties. Samuel Sunday was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or, alternatively, given the option of paying a fine of N2 million. Furthermore, the court ordered the forfeiture of the 140 tonnes of mineral ore recovered from his site to the Federal Government of Nigeria, emphasizing the severe consequences of illegal mining.

Saheed Lawal Akanji also received a sentence of 12 months’ imprisonment, with an option to pay a fine of N1 million. His company, Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, was directly fined N1 million. In addition, the court mandated the forfeiture of 90 tonnes of minerals recovered from Saaskrona’s operational site to the Federal Government, bringing the total forfeited minerals to an impressive 230 tonnes.

These judgments send a clear message about the legal and financial repercussions for those engaging in unauthorized mineral extraction. The collective fines and significant forfeiture orders highlight the serious nature of these offenses under Nigerian law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was convicted for illegal mining in Kwara State?

Samuel Sunday, along with Saheed Lawal Akanji and his company Saaskrona Nigeria Limited, were convicted by a Federal High Court in Ilorin for illegal mining activities in Kwara State, Nigeria.

What penalties were imposed for the illegal mining activities?

Samuel Sunday received a 12-month prison sentence or a N2 million fine, plus the forfeiture of 140 tonnes of mineral ore. Saheed Lawal Akanji was sentenced to 12 months in prison or a N1 million fine, while his company Saaskrona Nigeria Limited was fined N1 million and forfeited 90 tonnes of minerals. In total, 230 tonnes of minerals were forfeited to the Nigerian government.

Which Nigerian law was contravened by these illegal miners?

The convicted individuals and company were found guilty of contravening the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, specifically for possessing minerals without the required permits.

What types of minerals were involved in the illegal operations?

Investigations revealed the defendants were unlawfully dealing in and processing various solid minerals, including Smithsonite, Calcite, Anhydrite, Tennantite, and Quartz.