The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as “Odogwu,” and three of his associates wanted over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, drug production and money laundering.
The wanted suspects are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (alias Ekene Okwunaga).
The declaration followed an order of the Federal High Court on Friday, in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo, after an application filed by the NDLEA on July 3, 2026.
This was contained in a statement made available to Blueprint on Friday by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The NDLEA disclosed that the suspects went into hiding after operatives uncovered a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Isiozi, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other illicit materials were recovered during a raid on February 25, 2026.
Following extensive financial and forensic investigations, the NDLEA traced and froze bank accounts linked to the syndicate containing a total balance of N9,840,873,566.66.
The agency also secured interim forfeiture orders for assets believed to have been acquired through proceeds of drug trafficking, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four luxury Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), described the operation as a major breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing campaign against organised drug trafficking and illicit financial networks.
According to him the operation demonstrates the agency’s determination to dismantle criminal syndicates by targeting both their operations and financial assets.
“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,” he said.
He added that the freezing of nearly N10 billion and the forfeiture of valuable assets send a strong warning that drug traffickers can no longer conceal illicit proceeds through legitimate businesses.
Marwa further assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue deploying financial intelligence and forensic investigations to trace, freeze and confiscate assets linked to drug trafficking while intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted suspects, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to eliminating drug trafficking and its devastating impact on society.