NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Associates Wanted, Freezes ₦9.8bn Linked to Meth Syndicate

By Zagazola Makama

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 of illicit drug trafficking.

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

Zagazola Makama gathered that the declaration followed an order by the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State, presided over by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo, after an application filed by the NDLEA in suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026.

The suspects are linked to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered by NDLEA operatives on Feb. 25, 2026, at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, where 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other illicit materials were recovered.

Investigations by the agency allegedly identified the four suspects as key members of the syndicate, but they have since gone into hiding.

The NDLEA said forensic financial investigations led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects containing a combined balance of ₦9,840,873,566.66.

The agency also secured interim forfeiture orders over several assets believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the operatives involved in the investigation, describing it as a significant blow to organised drug trafficking networks.

He said the operation underscored the agency’s determination not only to arrest traffickers but also to dismantle the financial structures sustaining the illicit trade.

Marwa assured Nigerians that the NDLEA would continue to deploy financial and forensic intelligence to trace fugitives, freeze illicit assets, and ensure those involved in drug trafficking face the full weight of the law.

He also appealed to members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or through the agency’s confidential reporting channels.