Ogun raid: EFCC links Chinese-run illegal refinery to alcohol, mining operations

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has connected a Chinese-run illegal refinery in Ogere, Ogun State to a range of illicit operations, according to the commission's latest investigation. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed these revelations while touring the facility and informing officials about the commission's probe into suspected financial and environmental violations.

This expansion of the earlier operation, which uncovered an abandoned oil processing site on October 31 during extensive surveillance, has led to the discovery of several suspect activities.

During the investigation, officers from the Lagos Zonal Directorate Two of the commission found underground tanks that are believed to have been utilized to heat and process sludge oil. Preliminary results suggest that the perpetrators allegedly obtained this oil waste, also referred to as black sludge, from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State, before transporting it to Ogere for processing.

The commission further disclosed that two tanks at the site contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

Olukoyede connected the recent discovery to previous enforcement actions against four illegal lithium processing facilities in the region, indicating that the commission is broadening its investigation to determine the full extent of the suspected actions and identify those responsible.