The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has declared four alleged members of a major methamphetamine syndicate wanted and has frozen nearly ₦9.84 billion linked to their operations. The agency says the suspects have gone into hiding since investigations into their activities began.

The persons declared wanted are Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna, popularly known as “Odogwu” and described as the alleged kingpin of the syndicate. Others are Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley, and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as “Ekene Okwunaga.”

The case began on February 25, 2026, when NDLEA operatives raided a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi, Umuaka in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State. During the operation, officers recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine along with precursor chemicals and equipment used for illicit drug production. Following the raid, forensic and financial investigations allegedly traced the laboratory back to the four suspects, whom NDLEA described as key financiers and coordinators of the network.

On July 3, 2026, NDLEA approached the Federal High Court in Owerri, Imo State. Presiding Judge, Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo, granted the agency’s application in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026. The court ordered that the suspects be declared wanted, authorized the publication of their names and details, and permitted further investigation into their assets.

As part of the financial crackdown, the court approved the freezing of ₦9,840,873,566.66 found in multiple bank accounts linked to the suspects. NDLEA also secured interim forfeiture orders on several properties believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking. The assets include one filling station, several multi-storey residential buildings, and four SUVs. The agency stated that these properties were acquired with proceeds from meth trafficking.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the operatives involved in the investigation. He said the operation represents a major blow to organized drug trafficking networks and reflects the agency’s new strategy. According to Marwa, “We are not just chasing drug dealers. We are following the money and dismantling the financial structures that keep these cartels alive.” He added that NDLEA will intensify surveillance on precursor chemicals and underground labs, particularly in the South-East region.

This case is significant because it is one of the largest financial freezes by NDLEA in 2026 so far. It signals a clear shift by the agency from only seizing drugs to also targeting the economics that sustain drug cartels. Authorities are now urging members of the public to provide useful information that can lead to the arrest of the wanted persons.

Source: Zagazola Makama / NDLEA Statement / FHC Owerri Court Records