The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered an illegal refinery in Ogere, Ogun State, allegedly operated by Chinese nationals. The facility was discovered after a raid by EFCC operatives on Saturday, October 31, 2026, following intelligence gathering and surveillance. The anti-graft agency's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the facility was deserted when operatives stormed the premises.
The EFCC found waste products from the refining process and two underground tanks containing substances suspected to be Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspected operators sourced sludge oil from Warri, Delta State, and Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and transported it to Ogere for processing. The sludge oil was subjected to intense heat, allowing lighter petroleum components to pass through a series of chambers and filters to produce diesel.
The EFCC's operation followed an earlier crackdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the same area. The commission took over the premises as investigations continue to establish the identities of the suspected Chinese operators, determine the ownership of the facility, and ascertain the full extent of the alleged illegal activities and economic sabotage. Security personnel at the facility told EFCC operatives that the Chinese operators never disclosed their identities or the name of the company behind the facility.
The EFCC's discovery highlights concerns about economic losses, environmental pollution, and the safety of petroleum products entering the domestic market. Sludge oil, also known as black sludge, is a petroleum residue generated during oil production and refining processes. Its processing into usable petroleum products requires appropriate industrial facilities and compliance with relevant petroleum, environmental, and safety regulations.
The EFCC's investigation will focus on identifying the operators, establishing the ownership of the facility, and determining the full extent of the activities allegedly carried out at the premises. The commission's efforts aim to combat economic sabotage and ensure compliance with regulations in the petroleum industry. The latest discovery in Ogere comes against the backdrop of the EFCC's earlier clampdown on four illegal lithium processing plants in the area.
The EFCC's operations demonstrate its commitment to enforcing laws and regulations related to petroleum products and preventing economic sabotage. The commission's efforts have led to the discovery of several illegal refining facilities and the shutdown of illicit businesses. The EFCC's work also underscores the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and regulatory bodies to combat economic crimes.
The EFCC's investigation into the suspected illegal refinery is ongoing, with a focus on identifying the operators, establishing ownership, and determining the extent of the alleged economic sabotage. The commission's findings will likely lead to further action against those involved in the illicit operation.
Key points
- The EFCC discovered an illegal refinery in Ogere, Ogun State, allegedly operated by Chinese nationals, processing sludge oil into diesel for sale in Nigeria.
- The facility was deserted when EFCC operatives stormed the premises, but waste products and underground tanks containing suspected diesel were found.
- The EFCC's investigation aims to identify the operators, establish ownership, and determine the extent of the alleged economic sabotage.
