The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested eight people for taking part in illegal mining activities in Ogere, a town in Ogun State. Among those arrested were two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians.

The EFCC’s Lagos team in Ikoyi carried out the arrest during a surprise operation on Friday, May 9, 2025. The operation was aimed at stopping illegal mining in the area.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest and listed the names of the suspects. The two Chinese nationals are Zhang Hang Lin and Gao Pei Hai. The six Nigerians include Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.

During the raid, officers found three trucks filled with bags containing what looks like ground lithium powder, a valuable mineral used in batteries.

Other items recovered included a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights, and some unknown solid minerals. Samples of suspected low-grade lithium were also seized.

The EFCC says investigations are still going on, and more updates will be shared as the case develops.