The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested five suspected illegal miners for allegedly extracting and transporting ilmenite, locally known as ‘black sand,’ without the required licence.
The EFCC confirmed the arrest in a statement posted on its official X handle, identifying the suspects as Samuel Eshiet Akwa, Willie Peter Uboko, Muhammed Tukur, Salmannu Ibrahim, and Jaafar Adam.
According to the Commission, the suspects were intercepted on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, while conveying 1,200 bags of ilmenite in a truck, armed only with a waybill stating the consignment belonged to WillJane Global Ventures Limited. Preliminary investigations revealed that the company, owned by Uboko, has allegedly operated without a mining licence for four years, transporting ilmenite to undisclosed destinations.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly admitted they were en route to Onne in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for delivery when apprehended. The arrest followed weeks of EFCC surveillance along the Mkpanak coastal lines in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The Commission added that the suspects are making useful statements and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Credit: @officialEFCC via X.
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