The Priority Crime Investigation Bureau (also known as the Eagles) arrested a Nigerian man, Benjamin Stanley Okwudili, for possessing precious metals.
Gauteng Hawks spokesman Colonel Lloyd Ramovha confirmed this in a statement Wednesday, March 5, 2025, saying Okwudili was arrested at Linbro Park in Thornton after being found possessing an estimated precious metal estimated at R50 million.
Ramova said the Hawks’ Johannesburg Serious Organized Crime Investigation (SOCI) conducted a “diligent” intelligence-driven operation against the Precious Metals Act on February 27, resulting in arrests.
“The operation was performed based on key information about palladium storage at the Linbro Park residence. The team acted quickly and headed to the determined location. Upon arrival, they met Mr. Benjamin Stanley Okwudili, a Nigerian male.”
Officials introduced themselves and asked for permission to search for houses that the hawks said.
“Although no illegal items were found in the house, a thorough search of the garage showed a golden suitcase wrapped in transparent stickers. After inspection, it was found that the suitcase contained about 90 kilograms of silver stone, suspected of being palladium, with an estimated value of R500 million,” Ramovha said.
Palladium is a silver-white metal similar to platinum. It is Used in many types of manufacturing processes, especially for electronic and industrial products.
When asked about the suitcase, the eagle said Okwudili said he had received it from Congo and wanted the buyer to collect it.
“However, he failed to generate any documents that authorize him to possess such minerals,” Ramova said.
Therefore, the local Crime Record Center of the SA Police Department was called to the scene for further processing.
Okwudili, 55, was later arrested. He was detained at the Sandlingham Police Department after being prosecuted.
Nigerian nationals appeared in the Johannesburg District Court on Monday, and the case was postponed until March 10 to confirm Okwudili’s status in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the head of the Eagles Gauteng Province, welcomed Okwudili’s arrest.
“This action sends a harsh warning to all dealers of precious metals: compliance with the law is not negotiable. The authorities will take decisive action against any individual or entity that violates the Precious Metals Act,” he said.
