Chinese operators flee as EFCC uncovers illegal refinery in Ogun

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched an investigation into an abandoned oil processing facility in Ogere, Ogun State, following the discovery of equipment and materials suspected to have been used in illegal diesel production.

The facility, allegedly operated by Chinese nationals, was uncovered on Saturday, October 31, during an operation led by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2.

The raid followed intelligence reports and surveillance activities targeting suspected illegal processors of petroleum waste.

When the operatives arrived, nobody was found at the site.

The discovery came after the Commission had earlier carried out enforcement operations against four illegal lithium processing facilities within the area.

Among the items found during the inspection were industrial waste believed to have resulted from oil processing and underground storage tanks suspected to have served as heating and production units.

Two of the tanks contained substances believed to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly called diesel.

Investigators are examining claims that the operators obtained black sludge from petroleum-related sources in Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, before moving the material to Ogun for processing.

The suspected production method involved exposing the sludge to high temperatures and passing the resulting petroleum components through several chambers and filtration systems to obtain a lighter fuel product for commercial sale.

The identities of the individuals behind the operation remain unknown. Security workers at the premises reportedly told investigators that the Chinese nationals had not revealed their personal details or the corporate identity of the business.

The EFCC has secured the facility while investigations continue to trace its ownership, identify the suspected operators and determine the scale of the activities carried out there.

The investigation will also establish whether the operation involved violations of petroleum regulations and other offences linked to economic sabotage.