NDLEA Declares Kingpin, Associates Wanted, Freezes N9.8bn in Drug Probe

​The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Uchenna (alias Odogwu), and three of his associates wanted for their suspected roles in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Imo State and laundering the resulting illicit proceeds.

​The three associates declared wanted alongside Uchenna are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (alias Ekene Okwunaga).

​This development follows an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, on July 3, in response to an application filed by the agency. The investigation began following the discovery of a methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi, Umuaka, in the Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on February 25, 2026. Operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine during the raid.

​According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, forensic investigations have led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the syndicate, which collectively hold over N9.84 billion.

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​In addition to the frozen accounts, the agency has secured interim forfeiture orders for several assets allegedly tied to the criminal network. These include a filling station, multiple-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles (registration numbers RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY, and FST 208 HU).

​NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the operation, stating that it highlights the agency’s commitment to dismantling both drug trafficking networks and the financial structures that sustain them. He emphasized that the agency will continue utilizing advanced financial and forensic intelligence to pursue the suspects and ensure that drug traffickers cannot use illicit gains to find safe havens.

​The agency has urged members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest NDLEA office or utilize the agency’s confidential reporting channels.