The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on organised drug crime by declaring an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as Odogwu, and three suspected associates wanted over an alleged methamphetamine production and money laundering operation.
The development has drawn nationwide attention after investigators revealed that bank accounts linked to the suspects, with a combined balance of N9.84 billion, were frozen. Moreover, several luxury assets believed to be connected to the alleged criminal network have also been placed under interim forfeiture.
According to the NDLEA, the declaration followed an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State.
The court order was issued after the agency filed an application in the matter on July 3, 2026. Investigators linked the case to the discovery of a secret methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.
The illegal facility was raided by NDLEA operatives on February 25, 2026. During the operation, officers recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine together with materials believed to have been used for drug production.
Furthermore, investigations reportedly traced the operation to four suspects who have since gone into hiding.
The wanted individuals were identified as Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna (Odogwu), Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
Meanwhile, forensic financial investigations reportedly uncovered large sums of money allegedly linked to the suspected drug network. According to the agency, bank accounts connected to the suspects containing a combined balance of N9.84 billion have been frozen.
In addition, interim forfeiture orders were secured for several high-value properties believed to have been acquired through proceeds of the alleged criminal activities.
The affected assets include a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs).
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended officers who participated in the investigation. He described the operation as another significant step in the agency’s ongoing campaign against drug trafficking and illegal financial networks.
Furthermore, Marwa appealed to Nigerians to assist security agencies with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted suspects. He stressed that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against organised drug crime.
Meanwhile, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting communities from the harmful effects of illegal drug production and trafficking.
The NDLEA also assured Nigerians that investigations into the case would continue until everyone connected with the alleged operation is brought before the law.
