NDLEA targets drug syndicate, freezes billions in assets
Three men and a woman have been declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for allegedly running a methamphetamine lab and laundering proceeds from drug activities. The agency linked Nnamuka Uchenna (also known as Odogwu), Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (also known as Ekene Okwunaga) to the illegal operation. NDLEA officials say they discovered the lab in Imo State and have since frozen nearly N10bn in assets connected to the suspects. Mohamed Buba Marwa emphasized the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and urged the public to provide information on the suspects’ whereabouts.
What happened
- Nnamuka Uchenna and three associates were declared wanted for allegedly operating a methamphetamine laboratory and laundering illicit funds.
- The suspects were declared wanted following an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, after an application filed by the NDLEA in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3.
- NDLEA discovered the methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on February 25, 2026.
- The agency recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other exhibits, and froze bank accounts linked to the suspects with a combined balance of N9,840,873,566.66.
- Interim forfeiture orders were secured on assets including a filling station, residential buildings, and four SUVs, as the NDLEA continues efforts to apprehend the suspects.
