A Federal High Court in Lagos has arraigned an alleged drug baron, Anochili Innocent, alongside three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians over the establishment of a super clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in a forest at Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to an official statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Femi Babafemi, the defendants were brought before Justice Musa Kakaki on Friday on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, establishment of a clandestine drug laboratory, unlawful production and possession of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over N480 billion in the international illicit market.
The statement identified the defendants as Anochili Innocent, 63; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40, all Mexican nationals except Anochili; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.
NDLEA said the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos States between 16 and 18 May 2026. Those apprehended at the clandestine laboratory hidden deep inside the Mowe forest included Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, and the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine production experts.
The agency added that the alleged kingpin, Anochili Innocent, was arrested simultaneously at his residence on Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.
It further disclosed that follow-up operations on 18 May led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property allegedly owned by Anochili in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, while investigators subsequently arrested Emeka Nwobum at a residence said to have served as the syndicate’s strategic stash house.
According to the statement, the charges include conspiracy to establish a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, unlawful transportation of precursor chemicals, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, and possession of various precursor chemicals including toluene, phenyl-2-propane (P2P), phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid.
The agency also alleged that Anochili separately allowed his property to be used for the illicit production of narcotic drugs, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.
All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution called seven witnesses to commence trial, stating that proof of evidence had been served on the defence since 3 July 2026. However, the defence sought additional time to prepare its case.
Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that all the defendants be remanded at the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to 16 and 22 July 2026 for trial and hearing of their bail applications.
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the case as one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation ever uncovered in Nigeria.
He said the involvement of Mexican nationals highlighted the growing efforts by international drug cartels to establish manufacturing bases in Nigeria for onward export, stressing that the agency would continue to identify, disrupt and dismantle such criminal networks regardless of their sophistication or financial strength.
Marwa also reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to eliminating drug trafficking syndicates and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support the agency’s nationwide operations.
