Operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), located on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, have arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians over alleged illegal mining operations in Ogere, Ogun State.
The individuals — Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu — were taken into custody on Friday, May 9, 2025, during a sting operation prompted by credible intelligence and thorough surveillance of their activities.
At the time of the arrest, three trucks containing sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder and other unidentified solid minerals were seized.
Additional recovered items included a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of suspected low-grade lithium, ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights, and documents related to the investigation.
According to the EFCC, the suspects will face charges once investigations are completed.
What you should know
The EFCC’s crackdown on illegal mining underscores rising concerns over the exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources, especially high-demand minerals like lithium.
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