The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as Odogwu, and three associates wanted over alleged involvement in running a secret methamphetamine production facility and laundering proceeds from illegal drug activities.
The agency also announced that it had secured orders to freeze bank accounts connected to the suspects containing a total of ₦9.84 billion, while obtaining interim forfeiture orders for several properties and valuable assets allegedly linked to the drug network.
The other individuals declared wanted are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
According to the NDLEA, the action followed an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, after the agency filed an application in relation to the case.
The development came after investigations into a hidden methamphetamine laboratory uncovered at Isiozi community in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
The agency said the interim forfeiture order covers assets believed to be connected to the alleged drug syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and targeting their financial foundations.
Marwa stated that the discovery of the illegal laboratory and the freezing of billions of naira in suspected illicit funds showed that criminals would no longer be able to hide proceeds from drug trafficking through legitimate businesses.
He assured Nigerians that efforts were ongoing to locate the fleeing suspects and prosecute anyone found connected to the syndicate.
The NDLEA boss added that the agency would continue using financial intelligence and forensic investigations to identify, freeze, and recover assets acquired through illegal drug operations.
The agency also appealed to members of the public with useful information about the suspects’ whereabouts to contact NDLEA offices or use its confidential reporting channels.
The NDLEA recalled that its officers discovered the illegal laboratory during a raid on February 25, 2026, recovering 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other materials used in producing the illicit substance.
Further investigations, according to the agency, linked the four suspects to the operation of the laboratory, while financial checks revealed that their accounts held ₦9,840,873,566.66 before being frozen.
