NDLEA arraigns suspects over ₦480bn clandestine meth lab in Ogun
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned an alleged drug baron, Anochili Innocent, alongside three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged establishment of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State and the production of illicit drugs valued at more than ₦480 billion.
All ten defendants were arraigned on Friday before Justice Musa Kakaki on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, operating a drug trafficking organisation, unlawful production of methamphetamine, possession of precursor chemicals and other offences under the NDLEA Act. Those arraigned are Anochili Innocent, 63; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.
According to the agency, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out in Ogun and Lagos states between May 16 and 18, 2026. Seven of the suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were apprehended at the clandestine laboratory hidden deep inside a forest in Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, while Anochili was arrested at his residence in the Lakowe area of Lekki, Lagos.
The NDLEA said follow-up operations led to the arrest of Omonughwa at another property allegedly owned by Anochili in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe. Investigators also raided the residence of Nwobum Emeka, which the agency alleged served as the syndicate’s strategic stash house.
The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine in violation of the NDLEA Act. The charge also alleged that the syndicate transported precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane (P2P), phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory using multiple vehicles. Investigators said 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated to be worth more than ₦480 billion on the international market, were recovered alongside large quantities of precursor chemicals.
The agency further alleged that Anochili, identified as the owner of the fenced property where the laboratory was located, knowingly permitted the premises to be used for the production of illicit drugs. He was separately charged under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act for allegedly allowing his property to be used for unlawful drug manufacturing.
All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Although the prosecution indicated its readiness to commence trial after serving the defence with proof of evidence, defence counsel requested additional time to prepare. Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until July 16 and July 22 for trial and hearing of their bail applications.
Commenting on the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the case as one of the agency’s most significant breakthroughs against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria. He said the involvement of foreign nationals highlighted the growing efforts by international drug cartels to establish manufacturing bases in the country, adding that the agency would continue to dismantle such networks while urging members of the public to support its operations with credible intelligence.
