The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested eight individuals, including two Chinese nationals, over suspected involvement in illegal mining operations in Ogun State.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the arrests were made on Friday, 9 May 2025, during a sting operation conducted by operatives from the agency’s Lagos Zonal Directorate in the Ogere area.
The suspects were identified as Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.
During the operation, EFCC officials recovered several items believed to be linked to illegal mining. These included three trucks carrying sacks of what is suspected to be ground lithium powder, along with samples of low-grade lithium, an assortment of unidentified solid minerals, and a Toyota 4Runner SUV.
Other items seized at the scene include mobile phones, ATM cards, international passports, LED flashlights, and various personal effects.
The EFCC is continuing its investigation into the activities of the suspects to determine the full extent of their operations and possible connections to wider illegal mining networks.
