EFCC detains 15 for illegal lithium processing in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 15 individuals, comprising 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, for alleged illegal lithium-processing operations at four plants located in Ogere, Ogun State. The arrests occurred on Friday, following intelligence gathering and surveillance by operatives from the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.

Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, stated that during the operation, officials recovered bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile phones, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control, and a trailer truck. The identities of the suspects and the quantity of lithium recovered were not disclosed, nor was there an explanation provided for the illegal operation of the plants.

This action comes amid increasing interest in lithium, a mineral essential for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles and electronic devices, as Nigeria seeks to develop its solid minerals sector to diversify its economy beyond crude oil.