NDLEA Places Meth Kingpin, Three Others on Wanted List, Freezes N9.84bn in Drug Proceeds
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking by declaring an alleged methamphetamine kingpin and three suspected accomplices wanted while freezing over N9.84 billion believed to be proceeds of illicit drug activities.
The agency also secured interim forfeiture of several high-value assets, including a filling station, multi-storey buildings and four luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs), as part of efforts to dismantle the financial network of the alleged drug syndicate.
In a statement issued on Friday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the wanted suspects were identified as Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as Odogwu, Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
According to the NDLEA, the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo, granted the order declaring the suspects wanted following an application filed by the agency on July 3, 2026.
The agency said investigations stemmed from the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other exhibits during a raid conducted on February 25, 2026.
Subsequent forensic investigations, the agency said, linked the four suspects to the illegal drug laboratory before they allegedly fled.
NDLEA disclosed that financial intelligence uncovered bank accounts connected to the suspects with a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66, which have now been frozen pending further legal proceedings.
The agency further obtained interim forfeiture orders over assets allegedly acquired with proceeds from the drug trade, including a filling station, residential properties and four SUVs.
Commenting on the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the development as a major breakthrough in the agency’s campaign against organised drug crime.
He said the seizure of illicit funds and assets demonstrates the agency’s resolve to cripple not only drug traffickers but also the financial systems that sustain their operations.
Marwa vowed that the agency would continue to pursue the fleeing suspects and anyone connected to the syndicate, stressing that no effort would be spared in tracing, freezing and confiscating assets derived from drug trafficking.
He also urged Nigerians with credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or through the agency’s confidential reporting channels, assuring the public that the fight against drug trafficking remains a top priority.
