Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded 10 defendants, including a 63-year-old alleged drug kingpin, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerians, in a correctional facility over their alleged involvement in the operation of an illicit drug manufacturing laboratory in Ogun State.
The defendants were arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on an 11-count charge relating to the alleged establishment of a clandestine laboratory and the production of 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, which prosecutors said has an estimated international street value of more than N480 billion.
According to the NDLEA, the laboratory was concealed in a forest in Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The defendants 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.
The prosecution said the defendants were arrested during coordinated NDLEA operations in Ogun and Lagos states between 16 and 18 May 2026.
According to the agency, Nwankwo, Igwe, Ifeanyichukwu, Egwuonwu and the three Mexican nationals were arrested at the alleged clandestine laboratory in the Mowe forest on 16 May. Prosecutors further alleged that Anochili, described as the mastermind of the syndicate, was later arrested at his residence on Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.
The NDLEA also alleged that a follow-up operation on 18 May led to the arrest of Omonughwa Kingsley Orike at another property linked to Anochili in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, while investigators subsequently raided the residence of Nwobum Emeka, which they alleged served as the syndicate’s stash house.
The charge alleges that the defendants conspired between February and 16 May 2026 to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the manufacture of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.
Other counts include allegedly managing, organising and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals including toluene, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), phenylacetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid to the laboratory, and unlawfully producing and possessing 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine.
Prosecutors further alleged that investigators recovered substantial quantities of precursor chemicals from the laboratory, including 358 kilogrammes of toluene, 1,834 kilogrammes of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilogrammes of acetone, as well as quantities of P2P and phenylacetic acid.
Anochili faces an additional charge of allegedly permitting his property, where the laboratory was said to be located, to be used for the production of illicit drugs.
All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the arraignment, the prosecution called seven witnesses and informed the court that proof of evidence had been served on the defence on 3 July 2026. Defence counsel objected and requested additional time to prepare their case.
Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until 16 and 22 July 2026 for the hearing of their bail applications and continuation of the trial.
Commenting on the case, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), described the operation as one of the most significant dismantlings of an industrial-scale narcotics production facility in Nigeria.
In a separate ruling, Justice Kakaki ordered the final forfeiture of four Lagos properties linked to socialite Suleiman Ganiu Aremu to the Federal Government.
The order was made in suit No. FHC/L/MISC/1344/2025 after the court held that the properties were proceeds of alleged drug trafficking activities.
The forfeiture followed an application by the NDLEA, filed through its counsel, Abu Ibrahim, seeking the permanent forfeiture of the properties.
The agency argued that the properties, linked to Aremu, also known as “Barryshine” and “Ejeoto”, were reasonably believed to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities, specifically drug trafficking.
During the proceedings, Abu Ibrahim appeared for the NDLEA, while Chinedum Okoro represented the owner of one of the affected properties at 55 Queen Street, Alagomeji, Yaba. Olatunji Abisoye also appeared for the respondent.
After considering the submissions, Justice Kakaki granted the application and ordered the final forfeiture of the properties to the Federal Government, holding that they were reasonably believed to be proceeds of drug trafficking.
The affected properties are located at Nos. 55, 55A, 63 and 72 Queen Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos State.
