EFCC finds illegal oil refinery run by Chinese in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has found an illegal oil refinery believed to be run by Chinese nationals in Ogere, Ogun State. They discovered underground tanks that likely contain diesel.

EFCC operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 raided the site on Saturday, 31 October. This followed careful monitoring and tips about illegal oil refining in the area.

Dele Oyewale, who heads the EFCC's Media and Publicity, shared this information in a statement on Tuesday. The discovery came after the EFCC's earlier crackdown on four illegal lithium processing plants nearby.

Although no one was found at the site, the EFCC reported that waste products from the refining process were present. They also found underground tanks thought to have been used to heat and process sludge oil.

"During the raid, underground tanks believed to have been used for heating and processing the sludge oil were also discovered. Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel," the statement said.

How the illegal refinery operated

The EFCC said early investigations showed that the operators brought in sludge oil, or black sludge, from Warri in Delta State and Port Harcourt in Rivers State. This oil was then taken to the Ogere facility for processing.

The commission noted that the operators used intense heat on the sludge oil. This allowed lighter petroleum products to pass through chambers and filters. The process was thought to produce diesel for sale in Nigeria.

"Security personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility," the Commission said.

The EFCC has taken control of the site as they work to identify the alleged operators and the ownership of the facility. They are also looking into the scale of the suspected illegal activities.

The commission is treating the operation as a suspected case of economic sabotage.

This discovery follows the EFCC's earlier action against four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogere.

The situation shows that many Chinese nationals are involved in illegal activities in Nigeria's oil sector. PREMIUM TIMES reported that on 23 October, the EFCC arrested 15 people, including 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, for illegal lithium processing at four plants in Ogere. The suspects will face court charges once the investigations are complete.