The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, including 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, over alleged illegal lithium processing at four plants 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.
In a statement on Monday, the EFCC said its operatives raided the four facilities suspected of engaging in illegal lithium processing activities in the area.
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 did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the ownership of the facilities and the specific regulatory requirements allegedly violated.
The EFCC said the suspects would be charged in court after investigations had been concluded.
The arrests come amid growing attention to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, as the government seeks to strengthen regulation and promote the development of mineral resources beyond crude oil.
Lithium is an important raw material used in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones and energy storage systems.
The allegations against the suspects have yet to be determined by a court.
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