The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged illegal lithium processing at four plants in Ogere, Ogun State.
The arrests took place on Friday, October 23, during an operation by the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2. The EFCC disclosed the operation on Monday, October 26, saying it followed intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The commission said its officers recovered bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the suspects would be charged in court after investigations were completed. The announcement did not name the suspects or state the quantity of lithium recovered.
Premium Times reported that the commission had not explained how the plants were operating illegally or clarified their licensing and regulatory approvals. The alleged offences remain under investigation; the announcement does not establish guilt.
Sources: Punch, Daily Post, Premium Times
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