Amanze Chinonye
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared a suspected drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, and three associates wanted over their alleged involvement in the establishment of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, production of illicit substances and laundering of proceeds from drug trafficking, Prime Business Africa reports.
The declaration was contained in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, on Friday, July 17, 2026.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe agency said the suspects Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka; Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley; and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga were declared wanted following an order by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State.
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The order followed an application filed by the NDLEA in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 before the court on July 3, 2026.
The agency said the suspects were linked to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered by its operatives on February 25, 2026, at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to the NDLEA, the operation led to the recovery of 18.4 kilogrammes of methamphetamine and other items. Subsequent investigations allegedly linked the suspects to the illegal facility, after which they reportedly went into hiding.
The agency added that forensic investigations into the activities of the syndicate led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects with a combined balance of N9.84 billion.
It also secured interim forfeiture orders covering several assets allegedly belonging to members of the syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) with registration numbers RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY and FST 208 HU.
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Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation, describing it as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and disrupting the financial structures that sustain them.
Marwa said the discovery of the clandestine laboratory and the seizure of assets linked to the syndicate sent a clear message that criminal networks would no longer be able to conceal proceeds from illicit drug activities through legitimate businesses.
He assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue to deploy financial and forensic intelligence to trace, freeze and forfeit assets acquired through drug trafficking, while ensuring that suspects who evade arrest are brought to justice.
The NDLEA also appealed to members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or use the agency’s confidential reporting channels.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
