FEDERAL MINES OFFICER ARRESTED IN AKWA IBOM FOR ALLEDGED CONSPIRACY ON ILLEGAL MINING

FEDERAL MINES OFFICER ARRESTED IN AKWA IBOM FOR ALLEDGED CONSPIRACY ON ILLEGAL MINING 

Utibe Utuk

A federal mines officer in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Austin Igbo has been detained by men of the Nigerian Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Division, following several reports of his involvement in albeting illegal mining in the state. 

According to information at our disposal, Mr Igbo was detained due to the petition by Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, for alleged conspiracy to cause economic sabotage and environmental degradation due to activities of illegal miners in Akwa Ibom State. There is an overwhelming evidence of him issuing temporary permit to miners and suppliers to multinational companies, which led to revenue lost to the federal, state and local government.

Mr Igbo answered his invitation on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 and was subsequently detained at Ikot Akpan Abia State Criminal Investigation Department. 

It is reported that the state ministry of environment had reported to relevant authorities, the activities of illegal miners in the state and their cohorts. The effort to investigate the activities of Mr Igbo and one Nsikak, an admin officer with the federal ministry, is commendable one by the Charles Udo led ministry, in a move to sanitize the sector. 

Meanwhile, Nsikak and Austin are been remanded in custody, as all parties are awaiting a call for the matter to be heard in court, to ascertain the judgement and punishment.