The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned alleged drug kingpin Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals, and seven other suspects before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged operation of a large clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.
The defendants are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, drug trafficking, operating an illegal drug production facility, unlawful possession of precursor chemicals, and the production of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at more than ₦480 billion on the international market.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states between May 16 and 18, 2026.
The agency said the laboratory was hidden deep inside a forest in Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The prosecution alleged that the syndicate established and financed the laboratory, transported precursor chemicals to the site, and produced large quantities of methamphetamine intended for international trafficking.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Federal High Court ordered that they be remanded in a correctional facility pending the hearing of their bail applications and adjourned the case to July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the case as one of the agency’s biggest breakthroughs against international drug trafficking, saying the involvement of foreign nationals highlights the growing presence of transnational drug cartels seeking to use Nigeria as a production base for illicit drugs.
