The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, comprising 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, over alleged operation of four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogun State.
The commission disclosed that operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 carried out the arrests in the Ogere area of the state on Friday, October 23, 2026.
According to the EFCC press release, the operation followed credible intelligence and surveillance that led its operatives to the facilities suspected of processing lithium without the necessary legal authorisation.
During the operation, the operatives recovered several items from the suspects, including bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.
The recovered items are expected to form part of the evidence gathered as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged activities at the facilities.
Notably, manufacturers use lithium to produce rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, electric vehicles, laptops and other electronic devices. Its growing importance in energy storage and electric mobility has increased global demand for the mineral. Nigeria has significant lithium deposits, attracting interest from local and foreign investors seeking to explore and process the resource. However, mining and mineral processing activities must comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
The EFCC’s operation in Ogere, thus highlights the commission’s efforts to investigate suspected economic and financial crimes connected to illegal business activities.
The commission did not disclose the identities of the arrested suspects or provide further details about the ownership of the four processing plants.
The anti-graft agency also did not specify the quantity of lithium recovered, the estimated value of the mineral or the precise offences the suspects may face. The EFCC stated that it would charge the suspects to court after concluding its investigations.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
