By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared alleged drug kingpin Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, and three associates wanted for allegedly operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, producing illicit drugs and laundering drug proceeds. The agency announced the development after securing a Federal High Court order in Owerri, Imo State, while also freezing N9.84 billion linked to the suspects and obtaining interim forfeiture of several high-value assets as part of its crackdown on drug trafficking.
Federal High Court Declares Four Suspects Wanted
The wanted suspects are:
- Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna (a.k.a. Odogwu)
- Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka
- Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley
- Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (a.k.a. Ekene Okwunaga)
Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, issued the order following an NDLEA application in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 filed on July 3, 2026.
According to the agency, investigations connected the suspects to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Isiozi, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
NDLEA Recovers Methamphetamine During Laboratory Raid
NDLEA operatives raided the illegal laboratory on February 25, 2026.
During the operation, officers recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine alongside other materials used for producing the illicit drug.
Subsequent forensic investigations linked the four suspects to the laboratory. However, investigators said they fled and have remained at large.
Agency Freezes N9.84 Billion and Seizes Luxury Assets
The agency traced several bank accounts linked to the syndicate through financial and forensic investigations.
NDLEA froze accounts containing a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66.
In addition, the agency secured interim forfeiture orders covering several valuable assets allegedly connected to the drug network.
The assets include:
- A filling station
- Multi-storey residential buildings
- Four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
The vehicles bear the registration numbers:
- RLU 148 AJ
- KJA 563 FZ
- BWR 249 DY
- FST 208 HU
Marwa Vows to Dismantle Drug Cartels
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), praised the officers involved in the operation.
He described the case as evidence of the agency’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks and destroy their financial structures.
Marwa said the discovery of the methamphetamine laboratory, the freezing of nearly N10 billion, and the forfeiture of major assets demonstrate that Nigeria is becoming increasingly hostile to drug cartels.
He stressed that the agency would continue deploying financial intelligence and forensic investigations to trace illicit wealth and prosecute offenders.
NDLEA Appeals for Public Support
Marwa urged Nigerians with credible information about the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or use the agency’s confidential reporting channels.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eliminating drug trafficking and reducing its social and economic impact across the country.
