EFCC arrests 14 Chinese nationals, one Nigerian over illegal lithium plants in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for allegedly operating four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogun State, the Peoples Gazette reports.

The anti-graft agency said in a statement on Monday that the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation targeting unapproved plants in the Ogere area.

“Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 Chinese and one Nigerian at four illegal lithium processing plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

“The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance,” the agency said.

The EFCC said items recovered during the raid included bags of lithium rocks, mobile phones, laptops, decoders and a trailer.

“Upon their arrest, bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four computer laptops, two decoders, a television remote control, and a trailer truck were recovered from the suspects,” EFCC stated.

The commission added that the suspects would be prosecuted as soon as investigations into the case are completed.