NDLEA Wants Drug Boss and Three Associates, Freezes N9.8bn Linked to Their Activities

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has declared a suspected drug boss, Nnamuka Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, and three of his associates wanted. They are wanted for allegedly running a secret methamphetamine lab in Imo State and laundering money from drug sales.

The other three suspects are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, who is also known as Ekene Okwunaga.

On Friday, a statement from the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed that the suspects were declared wanted after a court order. This order was granted by Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, after the NDLEA filed a request on July 3, in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026.

Babafemi noted that the court order came after officers discovered a hidden methamphetamine lab at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on February 25, 2026.

During the raid, NDLEA operatives seized 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other items. Further investigations connected the four suspects to the illegal lab. The statement mentioned, "The suspects have since gone into hiding."

Babafemi also shared that forensic investigations led to freezing bank accounts tied to the suspects. These accounts hold a total of N9,840,873,566.66.

"Through forensic investigation of the meth syndicate by NDLEA operatives, bank accounts linked to the wanted suspects with a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66 only was frozen," he added.

He further stated that the agency secured interim forfeiture orders on properties believed to be linked to the syndicate. These include a filling station, several residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles with registration numbers RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY, and FST 208 HU.

Reacting to the news, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the operation shows the agency's commitment to breaking down drug trafficking networks. He emphasized the importance of targeting the financial structures that support these activities.

Marwa mentioned that the discovery of the meth lab, the freezing of nearly N10 billion in suspected illegal funds, and the seizure of valuable assets highlight the agency's determination. He stated that drug traffickers should no longer find safe places to hide their illegal earnings.

He also urged Nigerians with helpful information about the suspects to reach out to the nearest NDLEA office or use the agency’s confidential communication channels.