In a series of recent operations, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested multiple suspects, including Nigerian nationals and Chinese siblings, in connection with alleged money laundering, internet-related crimes, and the illegal export of solid minerals.
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, EFCC operatives apprehended two Nigerian men, Joshua Ndu and Michael Uchenna, in the Guzape area of Abuja.
Acting on intelligence, EFCC officials tracked the suspects to Al-Gamji Estate, where they were found in possession of high-end luxury items and electronics linked to suspected money laundering activities. Items recovered from Ndu included a Mercedes Benz E350 (2019 model), a Range Rover (2016 model), an Apple laptop, an iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Cartier wristwatch, and two necklaces. Uchenna was found with an iPhone 12 Pro Max and an Apple MacBook Pro. The EFCC has indicated that both men will face charges in court after investigations are concluded.
In a separate operation, the EFCC Enugu Zonal Directorate detained two Chinese siblings, Wang Jiang and Wang Richard, along with two Nigerian associates, Donatus Agupusi and Michael Benneth Agu, over an alleged illegal attempt to export solid minerals without the required permits.
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The arrests followed an alert from the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on November 3, 2024, after Wang Jiang was intercepted at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. During a security screening, suspicious stones, believed to be solid minerals, were discovered in his luggage, wrapped in three separate pieces.
Further investigation revealed that Agupusi, owner of Great Wall Construction Limited, employed the other suspects and allegedly directed the illegal export attempt. Jiang was reportedly on his way to China to conduct tests on the minerals, despite not having an export permit.
The EFCC has stated that all suspects in both cases will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations.
