The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun has arrested five individuals for alleged illegal mining and one for theft.
At the parade of the suspects on Tuesday, in Osogbo, the state NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, said the alleged illegal miners were arrested in Ilesa on Friday.
According to Mr Sotiyo, the suspects were apprehended at a mining site in town by the corps’ mines and steel team.
He claimed that the suspects, who were from Kano State, conducted the mining operations without a mining permit after a covert probe.
The commandant stated that the accused’ actions violated Section 2 of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.
According to him, the act states that “No person shall engage in mining activities without a valid mining lease or permit.’’
“Mr Sotiyo added that section 46 of the same Act also states that “any person who contravenes the provisions of this act commits an offence and is liable.”
Furthermore, Mr Sotiyo stated that his men apprehended one Akeju Abiodun, 34, for stealing.
He stated that the suspect, a man, was apprehended at Ijebu-Ijesa town.
The commandant stated that the suspect stole N220,000 from Hammed’s shop in the town’s market on November 4.
He did, however, state that the suspect was detained on November 11 while attempting to steal a bag from another woman at the same market.
Mr Sotiyo stated that the suspect confessed to the crime.
He stated that following a discreet investigation, the suspect was apprehended with a 26-inch mattress, a plasma television, a furniture cabinet, and two Android phones, among other stuff.
The commander stated that the suspect will be prosecuted once the corps completed its ongoing investigation.
He stated, “I also want to use this medium to inform the good people of Osun that security is everybody’s business. We solicit proactive intelligence that can nip crime and criminality in the bud so as to serve you better.’’