NDLEA Declares Drug Kingpin, 3 Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.84bn Assets
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 and laundering proceeds from illicit drug trafficking.
The other suspects declared wanted are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
The declaration followed an order of the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, granted by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo after an ex parte application filed by the NDLEA in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026.
According to the agency, the four suspects are linked to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered by NDLEA operatives on February 25, 2026, at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
During the operation, operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine alongside other illicit substances and materials used in the manufacture of the dangerous drug.
The NDLEA said subsequent investigations identified the four suspects as principal members of the drug trafficking syndicate. However, they allegedly fled and have remained at large since the laboratory was dismantled.
Read Also:
As part of its ongoing investigation, the agency disclosed that forensic financial intelligence traced and secured the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects, containing a combined balance of ₦9,840,873,566.66.
The anti-narcotics agency also obtained interim forfeiture orders over several assets suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trafficking, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
Commenting on the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the operatives involved in the investigation, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks.
Marwa said the operation demonstrated the NDLEA’s resolve to target not only drug traffickers but also the financial infrastructure that sustains the illicit trade.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to deploying forensic and financial intelligence to trace fugitives, identify and seize proceeds of crime, and ensure those involved in drug trafficking are brought to justice.
The NDLEA also appealed to members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA command or use the agency’s confidential reporting channels to assist ongoing investigations.
By PRNigeria
