The offence is contrary to, and punishable under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983, This Day Live reported.

The suspects, comprising a female and 12 males, were arrested on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at the Government Reserved Area (GRA), Ilorin following credible intelligence about their activities which included but not limited to, illegal mining and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.

The suspects are Guo Ya Wang (36), Lizli Hui (42), Guo Jian Rong (36), Lizh Shen Xianian (37), Lishow Wu (26), Guo Pan (38), Lia Meiyu (53), Guo Kai Quan (36) Lin Pan (50)

Others are Ma Jan (38), Wendy Wei Suqin (31), Li Zhinguo Wei (29) and Xie Zhinguo (53).

During interrogation, the arrested people confessed they worked for Chinese company known as W. Mining Global Service Limited situated at Olayinka in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state.