The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, comprising 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, at four illegal lithium processing plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
The EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 arrested the suspects on Friday, October 23, following credible intelligence and surveillance.
Lithium is a strategic mineral used in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles, as well as energy storage systems. Nigeria has significant lithium deposits and is seeking to develop its solid minerals sector. However, mining and mineral processing are regulated under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which requires operators to obtain the appropriate licences and permits. Unauthorised operations can deprive the government of revenue and royalties, undermine regulatory oversight and expose workers and host communities to environmental and safety risks.
Items recovered during the operation include bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptops, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.
The commission did not specify the particular licensing or regulatory violations allegedly committed by the operators but said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
