EFCC Bursts Four Illegal Lithium Plants, Arrests 14 Chinese

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian at four illegal lithium processing 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 issued on Monday, the EFCC said operatives recovered bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptops, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck during the operation.

The commission did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the ownership of the four processing plants.

The arrests form part of the EFCC’s efforts to tackle alleged illegal activities involving Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.

Lithium is a key mineral used in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices. Nigeria has deposits of the mineral across several states, attracting growing interest from local and foreign investors.

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