The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Uchenna, popularly known as Odogwu, and three associates wanted over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Imo State and laundering proceeds from illicit drug activities.
The other suspects are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
According to a statement issued on Friday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were declared wanted following an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, after an application filed by the agency in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3.
Babafemi said the court order followed the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, on February 25, 2026.
He said NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and other exhibits during the raid, while subsequent investigations allegedly linked the four suspects to the illegal operation.
“The suspects have since gone into hiding,” the statement said.
Babafemi added that forensic investigations by the agency led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects with a combined balance of ₦9.84bn.
He also disclosed that the NDLEA had secured interim forfeiture orders on assets allegedly connected to the syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four sport utility vehicles with registration numbers RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY and FST 208 HU.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as evidence of the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and targeting the financial structures that support them.
Marwa said the discovery of the methamphetamine laboratory, the freezing of nearly ₦10bn in suspected illicit funds and the seizure of high-value assets demonstrated the agency’s determination to ensure that drug traffickers have no safe haven for laundering proceeds of crime.
He assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue to use financial intelligence and forensic investigations to track down the fleeing suspects and others linked to the alleged syndicate.
The NDLEA chief also urged members of the public with information about the suspects’ whereabouts to report to the nearest NDLEA office or use the agency’s confidential reporting channels.
