Section 146: Power to seize.

(1) An officer of the ministry authorized in that behalf may arrest without warrant, any person whom he finds committing or reasonably suspects to have commtitted an offence under this Act or regulations made under it and may seize-
(a) any tool, implement, or vehicles used in committing the offence ; and
(b) any mineral won illegally.
(2) A person arrested and the items seized, shall be kept in the custody of the Police and taken within 48 hours before an appropriate Court and if the person is found guilty, he shall in addition to any other punishment provided for under this Act or any enactment, forfeit the seized items to the Federal Govemment.
(3) The Mines Inspectorate Department may, by notice in writing require any lessee, or any person employed by the lessee or holder to appear before the mines officer at a reasonable time and place and give information regarding mining operations in or about the area of the mining which he possesses, and the lessee, holder or other person shall comply with the notice and give the information.
(4) The Mines Inspectorate Department may, by order in writing, direct that prospecting or mining operations be suspended in an area, whether it is the subject of a mining lease or exploration licence or not, until such arrangements as are in his opinion necessary to prevent danger to life or property or to compliance with the act are made.
(5) The Mines Inspectorate Department may cancel or vary the terms of any notice or order issued by him under subsection (4) of this section.
(6) An order made under subsection (4) of this section shall lapse after 14 days of its issuance, unless it is confirmed by the Mines Inspectorate Department.