Truck driver gets one-year jail term for illegal mining
The Ilorin Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday convicted and sentenced Buba Muhammed, a 37-year-old truck driver, to 12 months’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of 30 tonnes of solid minerals.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted the convict on a one-count charge of unlawful possession of 30 tonnes of solid minerals, to which he pleaded guilty.
Justice Muhammed Sani, having found merit in the prosecution case, sentenced Mr Buba to one-year imprisonment with an option of a N400,000 fine.
Mr Sani also ordered the forfeiture of the truck used to transport the illegally acquired minerals to the federal government.
The charge against him reads, “That you, Buba Mohammed, sometime in September 2022 at Lade, Pategi Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the Judicial Division of the Federal High Court and thereby committed an offence to wit, without lawful authority, come into possession of 30 tonnes of mineral conveyed in an INVECO Truck with identification mark: KUJ60XC and Chassis No:ZCFAIVPJ001161598 contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1983.”
Following his guilty plea, counsel to the EFCC, Andrew Akoja, reviewed the facts of the case and prayed the court to convict the defendant as charged.
According to the EFCC, Mr Muhammed began his journey to the Nigerian Correctional Centre on August 30, 2022, when he was arrested by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC while acting on credible intelligence at Lade, Pategi Local Government Area of the state.
He was one of the 13 suspects arrested by operatives of the EFCC while trying to transport a truckload of assorted crude minerals for sale outside the state.
According to the commission, the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) confirmed the mineral to be lepidolite, montmorillonite, and chrysocolla.
Lepidolite is one of the raw materials usually transported outside the country to produce batteries for vehicles, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Port Harcourt
Rivers: Navy uncovers illegal fuel storage site, recovers 18,000 litres of diesel
Mr Folorunsho reaffirmed the navy’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to combat crude oil theft.
Economy
Yam prices soar by up to 100% in Enugu markets
Another dealer in New Market, Mary-Jane Ibe, blamed the rising cost on insecurity.
Economy
MTN Nigeria appeals against FG’s proposed nationalisation, says company belongs to Nigerians
He said over 11 million Nigerians own stakes in the company through pension fund investments.
States
Taraba judicial administration geared towards excellence, chief judge says
He said judicial reforms under his watch are geared towards excellence in judicial practice and justice delivery in the state.
Economy
PEBEC seeks integrated digital platform for businesses
“Many MDAs have digitalised their services, but they are digitalising in silos. Businesses still provide the same information to multiple agencies,” she said.
Economy
National Assembly committees seek increased funding for solid minerals
He said adequate funding and stronger stakeholder collaboration were critical to accelerating reforms and harnessing the sector’s opportunities.
