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. Secures forfeiture of multi-billion-naira fuel station, buildings, SUVs, as Marwa vows to disrupt the financial architecture that sustains drug cartels

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared a drug kingpin, Nnamuka Kelvin Uchenna (a.k.a Odogwu) and three of his associates: Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka; Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke (a.k.a Ekene Okwunaga) wanted over their involvement in the establishment of a clandestine laboratory, production of methamphetamine and drug money laundering.

The suspects were declared wanted based on the order of Justice Iniekenimi Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, Imo state, following an application by NDLEA in suit number FHC/OW/CS/22/2026 filed before the court on 3rd July 2026.
This followed the discovery of a methamphetamine producing clandestine laboratory where 18.4 kilograms of the illicit substance and other items were recovered by NDLEA operatives at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba local government area of Imo state on 25th February 2026. Investigations later linked the wanted suspects to the meth lab and have since then gone into hiding.

Through forensic investigation of the meth syndicate by NDLEA operatives, bank accounts linked to the wanted suspects with a combined balance of Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Forty Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Naira, Sixty Six Kobo (N9,840,873,566.66) only was frozen while the Agency has secured interim forfeiture orders covering multibillion naira assets owned by members of the syndicate including: a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) marked RLU 148 AJ; KJA 563 FZ; BWR 249 DY and FST 208 HU.
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Agency’s resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks and disrupt the financial architecture that sustains them.

“This latest operation reaffirms our unwavering commitment to tracking down drug kingpins and their collaborators, no matter how sophisticated their network or how long they attempt to evade justice. The discovery of this clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Njaba, and the subsequent freezing of nearly ten billion naira in illicit funds, alongside the forfeiture of a filling station, multi-storey buildings and four exotic SUVs, sends an unambiguous message that the illegal drug business is no longer a safe haven for criminals seeking to launder their ill-gotten wealth through legitimate enterprises.

“I want to assure Nigerians that the Agency will not relent in going after the fleeing suspects and anyone else linked to this syndicate. We will continue to deploy financial and forensic intelligence to trace, freeze and forfeit assets acquired through drug trafficking, just as we will not hesitate to invoke the full weight of the law against fugitives who think they can hide from justice.

“I appeal to members of the public with useful information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to volunteer such information to the nearest NDLEA office or through our confidential lines, as we remain committed to ridding our communities of the scourge of drug trafficking and its attendant social and economic harm”, Marwa stated.

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The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is intimidated by his growing popularity among ordinary Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election.

Sowore made the remark on Thursday, July 16, while speaking to journalists outside the Federal High Court after proceedings in his ongoing trial over alleged cybercrime-related offences.

The activist is being prosecuted over allegations that he published false information about President Tinubu by describing him as a “criminal” in posts shared on his personal X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts. He has denied the allegations.

During the court session, the trial judge warned that the court could close the defence’s case if Sowore failed to proceed with presenting his defence.

Reacting to the development, Sowore alleged that the case against him was politically motivated and linked it to the approaching 2027 elections.

According to him, President Tinubu is worried about the level of support he enjoys among grassroots Nigerians despite not engaging in vote-buying or distributing gifts.

“But we know the big deal. The big deal is that there is an election that is coming. Tinubu is mortally, mortally afraid of my popularity with the grassroots,” Sowore said.

He stressed that his political movement does not rely on material inducements to attract supporters.

“But we are not paying a dime. We are not distributing bread. No soap, no rice, not even bitter kola, no TomTom, no kuli-kuli or akara,” he added.

Sowore further stated that Nigerians are increasingly identifying with his message and vision for the country.

“People are saying Sowore has come again. That’s what it’s all about. We are here to provide the leadership for this country that can make Nigeria work, including the judiciary,” he said.Demographics

The former presidential candidate maintained that his ambition is to provide leadership that would address challenges across all sectors, including strengthening Nigeria’s justice system.

The case has been adjourned as the court continues hearing the matter. Sowore has consistently maintained his innocence and insists that the charges against him are an attempt to silence his criticism of the current administration.

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The circumstances surrounding the death of Mary Habila, a nurse attached to the David Umahi Federal University of Medical Sciences (DUFUS) and on secondment to the Federal Ministry of Works, have become clearer following a sworn statement by her colleague and close friend, Anita Baaki.

Baaki, a physiotherapist from Benue State, said she was among members of staff who travelled from Abuja to Ebonyi State on June 24, 2026, for official duties under the Minister of Works, David Umahi.

According to her affidavit filed before the Ebonyi State High Court, the staff members were accommodated in separate but adjoining rooms in a staff chalet located within the minister’s country home in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area.

She clarified that the building was designated for staff members and associates, not for the minister’s personal residence.

On the evening of June 26, Habila returned after having her hair done and stopped by Baaki’s room to show her the new hairstyle.

The two chatted and joked before Habila said she was tired and intended to take a shower before going to bed.

“Mary told me she was tired and wanted to take a shower before sleeping. That was the last time I saw her alive,” Baaki stated.

The following morning, Baaki became concerned when Habila did not come out as usual. Repeated phone calls went unanswered, prompting her to knock on Habila’s door. Finding it locked from the inside and receiving no response, she alerted a domestic staff member to search the premises.

When Habila could not be found elsewhere, other staff members were informed, and the room was forcibly opened. She was discovered lying unconscious on the floor near the door.

She was immediately taken to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, where doctors confirmed that she was dead on arrival.

In her affidavit, Baaki stated that her testimony was given voluntarily and without coercion, emphasizing that she was making the statement solely for official and investigative purposes.