The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four suspected members of a drug trafficking syndicate wanted over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Imo State and laundering proceeds from illicit drug activities.
The suspects are Nnamuka Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
In a statement issued on Friday, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the suspects were declared wanted following an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Owerri after an application filed by the agency in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026.
Babafemi said the court order followed the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on February 25, 2026. NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other exhibits during the operation, while investigations later linked the four suspects to the illegal facility.
According to the agency, the suspects have since gone into hiding. Subsequent forensic investigations also led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects with a combined balance of ₦9.84 billion.
The NDLEA further disclosed that it obtained interim forfeiture orders on assets allegedly connected to the syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four sport utility vehicles.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major step in dismantling drug trafficking networks and disrupting the financial structures that sustain them.
Marwa said the discovery of the methamphetamine laboratory, the freezing of nearly ₦10 billion in suspected illicit funds and the seizure of high-value assets demonstrate the agency’s commitment to ensuring that drug traffickers no longer have safe havens to conceal the proceeds of crime.
He also urged members of the public with credible information on the whereabouts of the suspects to report to the nearest NDLEA office or use the agency’s confidential communication channels.
