14 Chinese nationals arrested in Nigeria for operating illegal lithium processing plants
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for illegally operating four lithium processing plants in Ogun.
In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency said three suspects were arrested on Friday during an intelligence-led operation targeting unapproved lithium processing plants in Ogere.
“Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 Chinese and one Nigerian at four illegal lithium processing plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
“The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance,” the anti-graft agency said.
The EFCC noted that bags containing lithium rocks, mobile phones, laptops, decoders and a trailer were found in the possession of the suspects during the raid in their hideout.
“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,” EFCC stated.
It added that the suspects would be prosecuted as soon as investigations into the case are completed.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Health
Borno NMA sets up committee to check quackery
The NMA chair said that suspected cases of quackery would be reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation and necessary action.
Sport
Burna Boy headlines NFL’s first regular-season game in France
The performance marked the return of Burna Boy to the Stade de France after he headlined a sold-out 80,000-capacity concert at the venue last year.
Faith
Church chains Jesus’ statue to prevent another fall after killing Ecuadorian priest
This was captured in a viral video on social media showing the church taking the extra precaution by securing the crucifix with chains.
States
Ogun man arrested, arraigned for stealing iron rods
A 23-year-old man, Michael Gbadero, stood before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Monday, accused of stealing iron rods worth N460,000.
World
Trump endorses Netanyahu for re-election as Israel’s PM
President Donald Trump has endorsed the re-election bid of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israelis to vote for him.
World
World leaders react to Lula’s presidential election victory
World leaders on Monday congratulated Brazil President Luiz Lula da Silva for his victory in Sunday’s presidential election runoff.
