By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday arraigned suspected drug baron Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State. Justice Musa Kakaki heard the case after NDLEA operatives arrested the suspects during coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos between May 16 and 18, 2026. Prosecutors accused the defendants of producing 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over N480 billion in the international market and requested their continued detention pending trial.
Defendants Face 11 Criminal Charges
The defendants include:
- Anochili Innocent, 63
- Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49
- Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46
- Jesus López Valles, 40
- Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41
- Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38
- Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43
- Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23
- Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45
- Nwobum Emeka, 59
According to the NDLEA, the suspects conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a large-scale methamphetamine production facility hidden inside Mowe forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Investigators charged them with operating and financing a drug trafficking organisation, producing methamphetamine, transporting precursor chemicals and possessing illicit substances under various provisions of the NDLEA Act.
NDLEA Details Arrest Operations
NDLEA said its operatives first raided the concealed laboratory on May 16.
The operation led to the arrest of four Nigerian suspects and three Mexican nationals believed to be experts in methamphetamine production.
Meanwhile, officers simultaneously arrested alleged cartel leader Anochili Innocent at his residence in Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.
Two days later, investigators conducted follow-up operations at another property linked to the suspect in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe. The operation resulted in the arrest of Kingsley Omonughwa.
The agency also raided the residence of Emeka Nwobum, which investigators described as the syndicate’s strategic stash house.
Massive Drug Production Materials Recovered
The charge sheet stated that investigators recovered large quantities of chemicals used in methamphetamine production.
These included:
- 358 kilograms of toluene
- 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid
- 22.5 kilograms of acetone
- Quantities of phenyl-2-propane (P2P)
- Phenyl acetic acid
Prosecutors also alleged that the syndicate transported the chemicals from Lagos to the Ogun laboratory using a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota Highlander.
Additionally, the prosecution accused Anochili of allowing his property to serve as the site for the illegal drug laboratory.
Court Orders Defendants Remanded
All ten defendants pleaded not guilty after the court read the charges.
The prosecution informed the court that it had already served the defence with proof of evidence on July 3, 2026.
However, defence lawyers requested additional time to prepare their case.
Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered the defendants remanded at the Lagos Correctional Centre.
The court adjourned the matter to July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of the bail applications.
Marwa Warns International Drug Cartels
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the case as one of Nigeria’s biggest crackdowns on industrial-scale narcotics production.
He said the involvement of three Mexican nationals highlighted the growing efforts by international drug cartels to establish production bases in Nigeria.
Marwa stressed that the agency would continue dismantling drug trafficking networks regardless of their size or financial strength.
He also urged Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to support anti-drug operations across the country.
