A 63-year-old suspected drug leader, Anochili Innocent, appeared before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos alongside three Mexican citizens and six other Nigerian nationals. The group faces an 11-count indictment for operating a massive clandestine laboratory in Mowe village, Ogun State, where they allegedly manufactured 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine. The illicit haul is estimated to be worth more than 480 billion Naira on the global market.
The defendants include Mexican nationals Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, and Jesus López Valles, as well as Nigerians Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, and Nwobum Emeka. These individuals were apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during tactical operations conducted between May 16 and May 18, 2026.
During the court proceedings, all ten defendants entered pleas of not guilty to the charges, which include conspiracy, financing a drug syndicate, and the illegal transport of precursor chemicals such as toluene and hydrochloric acid. While the prosecution intended to call seven witnesses immediately, the defense requested additional time to review evidence. Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered the defendants to remain in custody at the Lagos Correctional Centre and scheduled trial dates for July 16 and 22.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), highlighted the case as a major victory against industrial-scale drug production. He noted that the involvement of foreign nationals demonstrates a growing trend of international cartels attempting to establish manufacturing hubs within Nigeria. Marwa emphasized that the agency remains dedicated to identifying and dismantling these criminal networks regardless of their financial resources.
