The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Olalekan Balogun, has pledged his support to the EFCC in tackling illegal mining activities in Ibadan and other parts of the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren on Tuesday.

The statement said Mr Balogun made the pledge when the acting zonal commander of the Ibadan command of the EFCC, Halima Rufa’u, visited him on Tuesday.

He commended the EFCC commander for coming to his palace when the fight against illegal mining in Ibadan was on the rise.

The monarch also expressed pleasure that the EFCC was a major stakeholder in this fight.

“It is evident, and we are aware, that the commission has been tackling the menace of illegal mining activities head-on. I can assure you of my full support, including the support of all the traditional chiefs in Ibadan, to make sure that the illegal activities come to an end,” the monarch stated.

He also commended the acting zonal commander for expediting positive action as regards land and property fraud cases.

Mr Balogun, however, stressed the need for the commission to do more in curbing the menace of cybercrime and other related fraudulent activities amongst the youth.

The EFCC commander thanked Mr Balogun for receiving her while assuring the paramount ruler that the Ibadan zonal command would do more to curb the menace of cybercrime in Oyo.

Ms Rufa’u said EFCC would continue to tackle the activities of illegal mineral operators that had undermined the state’s and country’s development through non-payment of royalties, taxes and other dues. 

(NAN)