The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 folks, 14 Chinese nationals and a Nigerian, over alleged unlawful lithium-processing operations at 4 crops in Ogere, Ogun state.
The suspects have been arrested on Friday, by operatives of the fee’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence gathering and surveillance.
In an announcement, Monday, the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, mentioned operatives recovered baggage of lithium rocks, 18 cellphones, 4 laptop computer computer systems, two decoders, a tv distant management and a trailer truck through the operation.
“The suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations,” the assertion learn.
The fee didn’t disclose the identities of the suspects or the amount of lithium recovered. It additionally didn’t clarify how the crops have been working illegally.
The arrests come amid rising curiosity in lithium, a mineral utilized in rechargeable batteries for electrical automobiles and digital gadgets. Nigeria has deposits of the mineral and has been searching for to develop its stable minerals sector as a part of efforts to diversify the economic system past crude oil.
