Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, have arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Ogere, Ogun State.
The suspects — Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu — were apprehended on Friday, May 9, 2025, during a sting operation following credible intelligence and weeks of surveillance by the Commission.
During the operation, three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder and other unidentified solid minerals were recovered. Other items found in their possession include a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of low-grade lithium, Automated Teller Machine (ATM), several ATM cards, international passports, LED flashlights, and various documents.
According to the EFCC, the suspects will be formally charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal mining and related economic crimes threatening the nation’s solid minerals sector.
