EFCC Arrests 14 Chinese Nationals, One Nigerian Over Illegal Lithium Processing In Ogun | Sahara Reporters

The arrests followed intelligence gathering and surveillance by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, according to the EFCC in a statement on Monday.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian at four suspected illegal lithium processing plants in Ogere, Ogun State.

The suspects were reportedly arrested on Friday, October 23, 2026.

The arrests followed intelligence gathering and surveillance by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, according to the EFCC in a statement on Monday.

“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,” the EFCC said.

The EFCC said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.

The arrests come amid EFCC operations targeting suspected illegal mining and mineral trading activities in Ogun State. In May 2025, the commission arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians in Ogere over alleged illegal mining, recovering three trucks carrying substances suspected to be ground lithium powder and other solid minerals.

In a separate development in May 2026, the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the final forfeiture of assets recovered in connection with alleged illegal mining activities in Ogun State to the Federal Government. The assets included a mining site, trucks and quantities of lithium and mica stones.