Two individuals have been brought before the Ilorin Zonal command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly possessing solid minerals without lawful authority.
The accused, Nura Lawal and Tunde Jimoh, were arraigned on a single charge before Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on May 22, 2024.
Lawal was reportedly the driver of a truck carrying approximately 30 tons of assorted solid minerals, while Jimoh was the truck's escort.
The EFCC initiated the case after receiving intelligence about illegal mining and transportation of solid minerals in Kwara. The defendants were subsequently arrested on February 4, 2024, in the Ogbomosho area of Oyo State.
The charge against the defendants states that they were found in possession of minerals without lawful authority, which is contrary to Section 1 (8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983.
During the arraignment, Lawal pleaded guilty to the charge, while Jimoh pleaded not guilty. The EFCC's counsel requested a date for a review of facts in Lawal's case and trial in Jimoh's case.
Lawal's counsel did not object to the prosecution's request, but Jimoh's counsel urged the court to fix an early date for a bail application. However, the judge refused to grant bail and remanded the defendants at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Agodi, Ibadan.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2024, for the review of facts in Lawal's case and trial in Jimoh's case.
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