The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as “Odogwu,” and three of his associates wanted over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, producing illicit drugs and laundering proceeds from the illegal trade.
The three other suspects declared wanted are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as “Ekene Okwunaga.”
The declaration followed an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State, after an application filed by the NDLEA on July 3, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026.
According to the Agency, the action stems from the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other incriminating items during a raid on February 25, 2026.
Subsequent investigations and forensic analysis reportedly linked the four suspects to the illegal laboratory. The Agency said the suspects have since gone into hiding.
As part of its financial investigation, the NDLEA disclosed that it traced and froze bank accounts linked to the suspects containing a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66. The Agency also secured interim forfeiture orders covering several high-value assets allegedly acquired with proceeds of drug trafficking.
The assets include a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) bearing 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, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the officers involved in the operation, describing it as a significant breakthrough in the Agency’s campaign against drug trafficking and illicit financial networks.
Marwa said the operation underscored the NDLEA’s determination to dismantle organised drug syndicates by targeting not only traffickers but also the financial structures that sustain their criminal enterprises.
He noted that the discovery of the clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, the freezing of nearly N10 billion in suspected illicit funds and the forfeiture of multimillion-naira assets demonstrate that drug traffickers can no longer safely conceal proceeds of crime through legitimate businesses.
The NDLEA boss assured Nigerians that the Agency would continue to deploy financial intelligence and forensic investigation to trace fugitives, freeze illicit assets and prosecute all persons connected with the syndicate.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects through the nearest NDLEA office or the Agency’s confidential reporting channels, stressing that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against drug trafficking and its social and economic consequences.
