By Pius Awunah
Mining marshals have arrested five suspects in the Kuje area of Abuja for alleged illegal mining.
Commander of the Mining Marshals,Mr. John Onoja Attah, who confirmed the arrest of the suspects, said in a statement that they disguised as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC).
He named the suspects who were arrested at Kebi Mangoro, Kuje,Abuja as Muhammed Aliyu, 39; Abdulrahman Hashimu, 32; Tahir Muhammed, 43; Awaje Abduljalal, 19; and Kabiru Adamu, 38,
The Commader said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in the operation of multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa state.
“Investigators discovered that the apprehended persons deployed a privately owned Toyota Hilux vehicle branded with the colours and insignia of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to evade security checks and also intimidate stakeholders”,the statement added.
It said one of the suspects who identified himself as a manager, reportedly told investigators that their operations were directed by one Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited, who is currently at large.
The suspects have been released on bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners.
