EFCC Expands Investigation Following Discovery of Multipurpose Illegal Facility in Ogun State

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has significantly broadened its investigation into a clandestine industrial site in Ogere, Ogun State. According to the commission, what began as an inquiry into an illegal oil refinery has evolved into a probe involving a wide array of suspected illicit businesses, including unauthorized alcohol production, timber exportation, and mining operations.

Discovery of an Illegal Refinery

The investigation gained momentum on October 31, when EFCC operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate Two raided a facility following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance. During the inspection, officers discovered an abandoned oil processing plant equipped with underground tanks. The commission stated that these tanks were allegedly utilized to heat and process sludge oil, commonly referred to as “black sludge.”

Preliminary findings reported by the EFCC suggest that the raw materials for these operations were sourced from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State before being transported to the Ogun State site for processing. Furthermore, officials confirmed that two onsite tanks contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), or diesel.

Broadening the Scope of Operations

During a site inspection, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede briefed officials on the commission’s findings, noting that the scope of the operation has expanded well beyond oil processing. The investigation now encompasses:

• Unregistered Alcohol Production: Facilities found on-site suggest the unauthorized manufacturing of alcoholic beverages.
• Illegal Mining and Timber Exports: Evidence of timber processing and mining activities has been linked to the site.
• Connection to Previous Enforcement: Chairman Olukoyede connected this discovery to earlier enforcement actions taken against four illegal lithium processing facilities in the same region.

The EFCC has indicated that the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify the individuals behind these operations and determine the full extent of the environmental and financial offences committed.

Next Steps in the Investigation

While the EFCC has confirmed the presence of Chinese nationals in connection with the site, the commission has not yet released a full list of suspects or a detailed timeline for potential charges. The agency continues to gather evidence to establish the scale of the suspected financial crimes and environmental violations. As of now, the EFCC has not provided specific details regarding the volume of illegal products seized or the duration for which these facilities were operational.

The discovery underscores a growing focus by Nigerian authorities on curbing illegal industrial activities that bypass regulatory oversight and environmental standards. The EFCC maintains that it is committed to dismantling these networks to protect both the economy and the local environment.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Daily Post Nigeria

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