EFCC arrests 14 Chinese, over illegal lithium processing in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, including 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, over alleged illegal lithium processing activities at four plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following what the agency described as credible intelligence and surveillance.

In a statement issued on Monday, Dele Oyewale, EFCC head of media and publicity, said the operatives uncovered four illegal lithium processing plants during the operation.

The commission said items recovered from the suspects included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four computer laptops, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.

The commission said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Lithium is a strategic mineral used in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile devices and energy storage systems.

Growing global demand for battery minerals has increased interest in lithium deposits across several countries, including Nigeria.