EFCC seeks court order to bring licensed operators into Ogun illegal factories

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the site after the operation. A video of his remarks was shared on Arise News’ X page on Saturday.

He said the commission plans to work with relevant regulatory agencies to identify qualified professionals and legitimate businesses that can manage the facilities.

According to him, the EFCC does not intend to destroy the facilities or allow workers employed there to lose their jobs.

Olukoyede said the commission would first obtain the necessary court orders before making any arrangements for new operators.

He said, “We are going to apply to court for all the necessary orders. And we will bring in all the relevant regulatory agencies to go and bring professionals, those who are licensed to run this kind of businesses.”

The EFCC chairman explained that preserving the facilities would help protect jobs and allow the assets to contribute to the economy through legitimate activities.

He added that the commission’s fight against financial and economic crimes should also support economic growth.

The proposed plan is expected to ensure that only properly licensed businesses operate the facilities if the court approves the arrangement.

EFCC uncovers illegal industrial facilities in Ogun

The planned move follows the discovery of a large industrial operation in Ogere, where the EFCC uncovered facilities allegedly involved in illegal petroleum refining, processing of valuable solid minerals, including lithium, and wood processing for export.

Olukoyede said the facilities contained heavy machines and independent power generation systems used to support their operations.

The commission said its investigation covers suspected money laundering, economic sabotage and illegal mining. It is also investigating the alleged involvement of foreign nationals in the activities.

Some suspects have been arrested and are providing information about other people allegedly involved in the operations outside Nigeria.

Investigators also discovered warehouses containing lithium batteries, telephone batteries and chargers. Hundreds of motorcycles suspected to have been used to provide security at illegal mining locations were also found.

The EFCC has deployed officers to provide security and monitor the facilities around the clock while investigations continue.

The operation, named Operation Sovereign Wealth, is aimed at recovering resources allegedly taken from the country through illegal activities.

Olukoyede urged Nigerians to report similar activities, warning that illegal exploitation of the country’s resources deprives the nation of its economic benefits.

Other cases of illegal mining and oil refining

The Ogere operation comes amid other efforts by security agencies to tackle illegal mining and petroleum activities across the country.