EFCC Arrests 14 Chinese Nationals, Nigerian Over Illegal Lithium Plants in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged illegal lithium-processing activities at four facilities in Ogere, Ogun State. The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence gathering and surveillance, the EFCC said. In a statement published on Monday, October 26, the anti-graft agency disclosed that its operatives raided the four facilities as part of an operation targeting suspected unauthorised lithium processing. Items recovered during the operation included bags of lithium-bearing rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck. The commission said the suspects would be charged in court after investigations had been concluded. However, the EFCC did not disclose the identities of those arrested, the quantity of lithium recovered or further details about the ownership and operations of the facilities. It also did not specify the licences or regulatory approvals the plants allegedly lacked. Lithium is an important mineral used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and energy-storage systems. Its growing commercial value has attracted increasing attention to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The arrests come as authorities continue efforts to address alleged illegal mining and unauthorised mineral processing. Nigeria has been seeking to develop its solid minerals industry as part of broader efforts to diversify the economy beyond crude oil. Further details about the alleged offences are expected to emerge as the EFCC concludes its investigation and takes the case through the legal process.