Some Chinese nationals allegedly operating illegal refineries in Ogun Statee may have played a fast one on operatives of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
They escaped the premises before the operatives could reach them.
Apparently, the Chinese nationals got wind of the Saturday October 31, 2026 storming by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, and escaped well ahead of time.
“The refinery was found deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises”, the commission stated in a statement.
“However, waste products from the refining process were discovered at the location”, it added in a statement issued today by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
According to Oyewale operatives discovered waste products from the refining process and underground tanks suspected to have been used for heating and processing sludge oil.
“Two of the underground tanks inspected contained substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), otherwise known as diesel.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the operators sourced sludge oil, also known as black sludge, from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and transported it to the illegal facility in Ogere for processing,” Oyewale added.
According to him, the operators subjected the sludge oil to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through chambers and filters in a process believed to produce diesel for sale in the Nigerian market.
“Personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese nationales never disclosed their identities nor the name of the company behind the facility.
“Consequently, operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC have since taken over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the operators, the ownership of the facility and the full extent of the suspected illegal activities and economic sabotage,” he added.
Cami Ezenwa is a Writer, Editor, Publicist, Biographer and Journalism Trainer
He has worked with the Daily Times, Daily Independent, Financial Standard and Business Television to mention some.
His ongoing Corporate Communications Master Class training series equips learners with credible hands-on skills for effective Media Relations, Public Communications & Corporate Affairs amongst others.
He can be contacted via 09165809519 or 08180335778.