EFCC Arrests 14 Chinese, Nigerian Over Illegal Lithium Processing in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, including 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, at four alleged illegal lithium processing plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The anti-graft agency disclosed the arrests on Monday in a statement published on its official X account, saying the operation was conducted by operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence gathering and surveillance.

According to the commission, the suspects were arrested on October 23, 2026, during an operation targeting the four processing facilities. The agency said the arrests formed part of its efforts to tackle suspected illegal activities involving mineral processing.

Items recovered during the operation included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.

The EFCC said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court after the process was concluded. The commission did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the alleged operations at the facilities.

The arrests come amid broader concerns about the regulation of mineral extraction and processing in Nigeria. Lithium has attracted attention because of its importance in battery production and the global transition towards cleaner energy, making oversight of activities involving the mineral an issue of economic and regulatory interest.

The EFCC has yet to announce the outcome of its investigation into the Ogere operation. The suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal processing remains subject to the findings of investigators and any subsequent court proceedings.