This post has already been read at least 11134 times!
…Secures Court-Ordered Forfeiture of Fuel Station, Buildings, SUVs as Marwa Vows to Dismantle Drug Cartels’ Financial Networks
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, and three of his associates wanted over their alleged roles in the operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and an extensive drug money laundering network.
The three other suspects declared wanted are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
According to the NDLEA, the declaration followed an order issued by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State, after the agency filed an application in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on July 3, 2026.
The case stems from the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory at Isiozi, Umuaka, in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on February 25, 2026, where NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine alongside other incriminating materials.
Subsequent investigations reportedly linked the four suspects to the illicit operation. The agency said they have since gone into hiding.
In what the NDLEA described as a major breakthrough, 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 court orders for the forfeiture of several high-value assets allegedly traced to the syndicate. The assets include a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) bearing registration numbers RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY, and FST 208 HU.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the officers involved in the operation, describing it as a significant step in dismantling organised drug trafficking networks and cutting off their financial lifelines.
Marwa said the operation underscored the agency’s determination to pursue drug barons and their collaborators regardless of the sophistication of their criminal networks.
“This latest operation reaffirms our unwavering commitment to tracking down drug kingpins and their collaborators, no matter how sophisticated their network or how long they attempt to evade justice,” he said.
He noted that the discovery of the clandestine methamphetamine laboratory, the freezing of nearly ₦10 billion in suspected illicit funds, and the forfeiture of valuable assets send a strong warning that drug traffickers can no longer safely conceal proceeds of crime through legitimate businesses.
Marwa assured Nigerians that the agency would continue to deploy financial intelligence and forensic investigation techniques to identify, freeze, and confiscate assets derived from drug trafficking while pursuing all fugitives connected to the syndicate.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to the nearest NDLEA office or through the agency’s confidential communication channels.
The NDLEA maintained that the operation reflects its sustained commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking, dismantling criminal enterprises, and protecting communities from the social and economic consequences of the narcotics trade.
This post has already been read at least 11134 times!
About the Author
