NDLEA Declares Drug Kingpin and Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.8 Billion
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, and three associates wanted for their alleged involvement in establishing a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and engaging in money laundering. The other suspects are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
This declaration follows an order from Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, after the NDLEA filed an application in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026. The agency's actions were prompted by the discovery of a methamphetamine-producing laboratory in Isiozi, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, on February 25, 2026. During the operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other related items, linking the suspects to the lab.
The suspects have since gone into hiding. The NDLEA traced bank accounts associated with them and secured an order to freeze funds totaling ₦9.84 billion. Additionally, interim forfeiture orders were obtained for several assets allegedly linked to the syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four sport utility vehicles.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) stated that this operation underscores the agency's commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and disrupting their financial operations. He emphasized that the discovery of the methamphetamine lab and the subsequent recovery actions serve as a strong warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade. Marwa assured the public that the NDLEA will continue to utilize financial intelligence and forensic tools to trace, freeze, and forfeit assets acquired through drug trafficking. He also encouraged anyone with credible information regarding the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or use the agency's confidential reporting channels, reaffirming the agency's dedication to combating drug trafficking and mitigating its social and economic impacts on communities.
