NDLEA Declares Four Suspected Drug Syndicate Members Wanted
…Freezes N9.8bn, Seizes Multi-Billion Naira Assets
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four suspected members of a major drug trafficking syndicate wanted over their alleged roles in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and laundering proceeds from the illicit drug trade.
The suspects identified by the agency are Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as Odogwu; Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka; Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley; and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, alias Ekene Okwunaga.
Their declaration followed an order by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, granted after an application filed by the NDLEA in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026.
According to the agency, the case stems from the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine production facility at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on February 25, 2026. During the operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine alongside other items linked to the illegal drug manufacturing process.
Subsequent investigations and forensic analysis allegedly connected the four suspects to the laboratory. The agency said they have since gone into hiding.
As part of its financial investigation, the NDLEA disclosed that it secured the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects containing a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66. It also obtained interim forfeiture orders covering several high-value assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking.
The forfeited 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.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as another significant step in the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking organisations and target the financial networks that sustain them.
Marwa commended the officers involved in the investigation, saying the operation demonstrates the agency’s determination to track down drug barons, recover illicit wealth and ensure those behind the criminal enterprise are brought to justice.
He assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue deploying intelligence-driven and forensic investigations to identify, trace and confiscate assets linked to drug trafficking while intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The NDLEA boss 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 communication channels, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and its impact on society.
