From Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared a drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna (a.k.a. Odogwu), and three associates Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (a.k.a. Ekene Okwunaga) wanted over their alleged roles in running a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and laundering drug proceeds.
The suspects were declared wanted following an order by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026, filed by the NDLEA on 3rd July 2026.
The case stems from the discovery of a clandestine meth lab at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba local government area of Imo State, where NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other items on 25th February 2026.
Investigations subsequently linked the wanted suspects to the lab; all four have since gone into hiding.
Forensic investigation into the syndicate led NDLEA to freeze bank accounts linked to the suspects holding a combined N9,840,873,566.66.
The Agency also secured interim forfeiture orders over multi-billion-naira assets tied to the syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four SUVs marked RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY, and FST 208 HU.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) commended the operatives involved, calling the operation a clear demonstration of the Agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks and disrupt the financial systems that sustain them.
“This latest operation reaffirms our unwavering commitment to tracking down drug kingpins and their collaborators, no matter how sophisticated their network or how long they attempt to evade justice,” Marwa said.
“The discovery of this clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Njaba, and the subsequent freezing of nearly ten billion naira in illicit funds, alongside the forfeiture of a filling station, multi-storey buildings and four exotic SUVs, sends an unambiguous message that the illegal drug business is no longer a safe haven for criminals seeking to launder their ill-gotten wealth through legitimate enterprises.”
He added that the Agency would not relent in pursuing the fleeing suspects and anyone else linked to the syndicate, and would continue deploying financial and forensic intelligence to trace, freeze, and forfeit assets acquired through drug trafficking.
Marwa appealed to members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to reach the nearest NDLEA office or its confidential lines.
(The Sun)
