The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned an alleged drug baron, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians before a Federal High Court in Lagos over their alleged involvement in operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Mowe Forest, Ogun State.
The defendants are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, operating a drug trafficking organisation, the unlawful production of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over N480 billion, and possession of large quantities of precursor chemicals.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out in Ogun and Lagos states between May 16 and 18, 2026.
Investigators said the alleged drug kingpin was apprehended at his residence in Lakowe, Lekki, while the three Mexican nationals and other members of the syndicate were arrested at the concealed drug laboratory in Ogun State.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all charges when they appeared before Justice Musa Kakaki.
Following their arraignment, the court ordered that they be remanded at the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to July 16 and 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial and hearing of their bail applications.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the case as one of the agency’s biggest breakthroughs against industrial-scale drug manufacturing, stressing that Nigeria would not be allowed to serve as a base for international drug cartels.
