By Abigail Philip David
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu Zonal Directorate, has reported the arrest of two Chinese nationals, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, in connection with an attempt to illegally export solid minerals without a required permit. The EFCC revealed it acted on intelligence received from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024. Two Nigerians, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Agu, were also apprehended as part of the investigation.
In a statement shared on the EFCC’s official X account on Friday, the agency provided further details: “Jiang was detained at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, while the others, including Nigerians Agupusi and Agu, were taken into custody at the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the EFCC. The arrests followed intelligence from FAAN regarding Jiang, who was intercepted at the baggage screening point with suspicious stones believed to be solid minerals, concealed in his luggage.”
Preliminary investigations have shown that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, employed the other suspects. The EFCC noted that Jiang intended to travel to China with the minerals for testing. However, it was revealed that none of the suspects held the necessary permits to export these minerals. The EFCC stated that charges would be filed against them once investigations are complete.
In another operation, the EFCC announced the arrest of two additional suspects on November 6, 2024, in Abuja on suspicion of money laundering and internet-related crimes. According to the statement, “Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna were arrested at Al-Gamji Estate, Guzape area, FCT, following intelligence that linked them to criminal activities.”
Items seized from Ndu included a Mercedes Benz E350 (2019 model), a Range Rover (2016 model), an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces. Uchenna’s possessions included an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro. The EFCC confirmed that both suspects would also be charged upon the completion of ongoing investigations.
