Ilorin, July 2, 2025 — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), through its Ilorin Zonal Directorate, has arraigned a truck driver, Olamilekan Basit, before the Federal High Court in Ilorin for allegedly transporting assorted solid minerals without lawful authorization.
Basit was brought before Justice Abimbola Awogboro on charges bordering on the illegal movement of mineral resources, an offence that contravenes Nigeria’s mineral development regulations. The alleged incident occurred at Balla in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State, where he was reportedly caught by operatives conveying various quantities of solid minerals with no valid permit.
According to the EFCC, the truck driver was apprehended during a routine enforcement operation aimed at curbing illegal mining and unlicensed transportation of Nigeria’s natural resources. The agency stressed that the unauthorized movement and trade of solid minerals not only deprive the country of critical revenue but also undermine environmental and economic regulations set by the federal government.
At the court proceedings, the charge was read to the defendant, to which he pleaded not guilty. The prosecution counsel then urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial, while requesting that the defendant be remanded in correctional custody pending further hearing.
Justice Awogboro ordered that the accused be remanded and adjourned the matter to a later date for trial.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to intensifying its clampdown on individuals and syndicates involved in illegal mining and transportation of Nigeria’s mineral resources, noting that such acts pose a serious threat to national economic development and regulatory compliance. The commission further warned that anyone found engaging in similar offences will face the full weight of the law.
