The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended five individuals for their alleged involvement in illegal mining and the transport of suspected lithium powder.
The suspects were detained following the interception of two trucks carrying the lithium powder at the Ibadan end of the toll gate on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
NSCDC State Commandant Augustine Padonu shared the news with journalists while presenting the suspects on Wednesday at the Area ‘A’ Command, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The arrested individuals are Abdulahi Ayinde (47) from Ilorin, Kwara State, who served as one of the drivers; Abdulrahman Ayinde (35) from Saki, Oyo State, the second driver; Femi Akanni (35) from Ola Ejigbo, Osun State, a motor boy; Abdulakeem Fasasi (31) from Saki, a motor boy; and Wasiu Amuda (22), also a motor boy.
Padonu detailed that on Friday, September 6, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., the NSCDC’s monitoring team intercepted two DAF trucks, with registration numbers BDJ 64 XE and ARP 201 XB, at the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway toll gate. The trucks were loaded with about 60 tonnes of what is suspected to be lithium powder.
The investigation revealed that the lithium powder was sourced from Ilenla, Kishi Town, and was intended for sale in Ogere, Ogun State.
Padonu also noted that the suspects had been operating without the necessary licenses, including operational, royalty, purchase, processing, and haulage receipts.
He confirmed that the suspects would be charged in court once the investigation is complete.
“The Oyo State Command of the NSCDC is committed to eliminating criminal activities within the state,” Padonu affirmed. “We encourage the public to continue providing information that will assist us and other security agencies in maintaining law and order.”
He added, “The NSCDC will persist in its efforts to safeguard our nation’s mineral resources and ensure that all mining activities comply with the law.”
In an interview, one of the suspects, a driver, stated he was hired to transport the lithium powder to Saapade in Ogun State. He disclosed that he was promised N10,000 for his services, while the motor boys were to receive N5,000 each.
“This was our first time transporting stones. We were accustomed to carrying goods like cassava and maize. The businessman would arrange trucks through a union, and we would deliver the goods. We were unaware that what we were transporting was illegal,” the driver explained.
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