Duan Ya Hong, Xiao Yi alongside their company, Ebuy Concept Limited were arraigned before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin on Monday, April 22, 2024.
The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals and their company, Ebuy Concept Limited, over alleged illegal mining activities. Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi were brought before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court in Ilorin on April 22, 2024.
According to the EFCC’s statement issued on Thursday night, the defendants faced charges related to possession of solid minerals without a license and failure to pay royalties to the Nigerian Government as mandated by law. The charge specifically accused them of purchasing minerals without lawful authority, contrary to Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1984.
Upon pleading not guilty, the EFCC’s counsel requested the court to remand the defendants in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until the trial’s conclusion and proposed a trial date. In response, the defendants’ counsel appealed for bail, citing the custody of their passports by the Commission and their commitment not to interfere with investigations or witnesses.
Justice Anyadike granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N5 million each, requiring two sureties who must be landowners within the court’s jurisdiction. The sureties were also mandated to deposit the deeds of title of their properties with the court registry and provide evidence of electricity and tax payments for the past months and years, respectively.
Subsequently, the defendants were remanded in EFCC custody pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions, and the trial was adjourned till May 16, 2024.