The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared four suspected members of a major drug trafficking syndicate wanted after uncovering their alleged links to a clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory in Imo State, while also freezing ₦9.84 billion traced to the network and securing interim forfeiture of multiple high-value assets.
According to an official signed statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the wanted suspects are Namuka Kelvin Uchenna, also known as Odogwu; Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka; Namuka Ifeanyi Kingsley; and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.
The statement said the suspects were declared wanted following an order by Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo State, after an application filed by the NDLEA in Suit No. FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 on 3 July 2026.
The Agency explained that the declaration stemmed from the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State on 25 February 2026. During the operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine alongside other materials used in the manufacture of the illicit drug.
Further investigations, the statement noted, linked the four suspects to the illegal laboratory, adding that they have since gone into hiding.
The NDLEA disclosed that forensic investigations into the activities of the syndicate led to the identification and freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects with a combined balance of ₦9,840,873,566.66.
The Agency also secured interim forfeiture orders covering several assets allegedly acquired through proceeds of the illicit drug trade. The assets include a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings, and four Sport Utility Vehicles with registration numbers RLU 148 AJ, KJA 563 FZ, BWR 249 DY, and FST 208 HU.
Reacting to the development, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and operatives involved in the investigation and operation.
Marwa described the breakthrough as a clear demonstration of the Agency’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates and cripple the financial networks that sustain illicit drug production and distribution across the country.
