NDLEA Places Four Suspects on Wanted List Over Meth Lab, Money Laundering
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four suspected members of an alleged drug trafficking syndicate wanted after uncovering what it described as an illegal methamphetamine production network in Imo State. Those declared wanted are Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as "Odogwu," alongside Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, popularly known as "Ekene Okwunaga." According to the agency, the Federal High Court in Owerri approved the action following an application filed by the NDLEA as part of an ongoing investigation into the operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and alleged drug-related money laundering. The investigation began after NDLEA operatives raided a suspected methamphetamine laboratory in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State in February 2026. During the operation, officers recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other materials believed to be used in the production of the illicit drug. The agency said subsequent investigations linked the four suspects to the operation, adding that they have since gone into hiding.
NDLEA also disclosed that forensic and financial investigations led to the freezing of bank accounts allegedly connected to the syndicate, containing a combined balance of about ₦9.84 billion. In addition, the agency secured interim court orders for the forfeiture of several assets believed to have been acquired through proceeds of the alleged drug trade. The properties include a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four sport utility vehicles. NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the operation as a significant step in disrupting the financial networks that sustain organised drug trafficking. He said the agency would continue to deploy intelligence-driven investigations, forensic analysis and financial tracking to identify suspects, recover illicit assets and dismantle criminal organisations involved in the illegal drug trade. Marwa also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the wanted suspects, assuring Nigerians that the agency remains committed to bringing all those connected to the case before the law.
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