Xiao Yi and Duan Ya Hong, along with their company Ebuy Concept Limited, were charged on Monday, April 22, 2024, by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities.
The charges were brought before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court located in Ilorin.
The suspects were charged with one count of possessing solid minerals without a license and failing to pay the requisite royalties to the federal government, according to a statement issued by the commission.
The charge reads:
“That you, Ebuy Trading Worldwide Nig.LTD, Duan Ya Hong, Xiao Yi sometime in February 2024 at Banni, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, without lawful authority, purchased minerals to wit; 30 tons of minerals conveyed in a Truck, with Registration Number JJJ 386 XT and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1984”.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was read in English and interpreted to them in Chinese Language.
After their pleas, Innocent Mbachie, the EFCC’s attorney, asked the court to detain the defendants to the Nigerian Correctional Service till the case is heard and decided. In order to give the prosecution time to present its case, he also asked the court to set a trial date.
In response, A. Aromolaran, the defendants’ attorney, begged the judge to grant his clients bail. He said that the defendants’ foreign passports were already in the Commission’s possession and that they would undoubtedly be brought up for trial. He also gave his word that they would not obstruct investigations or threaten witnesses.
The defendants were granted bail in the amount of N5 million naira with two sureties each in an equivalent amount by Justice Anyadike following the hearing of arguments and counterarguments from both parties. [CONTINUE READING HERE]
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