The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arraigned a 63-year-old alleged drug baron, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged establishment of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory and the production of illicit drugs valued at over N480bn.The defendants were arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki on Friday on 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operation of a drug trafficking organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.The three Mexican nationals are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; and Jesus López Valles, 40.The other defendants are Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.According to a statement on Friday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.Babafemi said operatives first raided a super clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were arrested.He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The defendants were arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki on Friday on 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operation of a drug trafficking organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.The three Mexican nationals are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; and Jesus López Valles, 40.The other defendants are Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.According to a statement on Friday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.Babafemi said operatives first raided a super clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were arrested.He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The three Mexican nationals are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; and Jesus López Valles, 40.The other defendants are Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.According to a statement on Friday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.Babafemi said operatives first raided a super clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were arrested.He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The other defendants are Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59.According to a statement on Friday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.Babafemi said operatives first raided a super clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were arrested.He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. According to a statement on Friday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.Babafemi said operatives first raided a super clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were arrested.He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Babafemi said operatives first raided a super clandestine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals described as methamphetamine experts, were arrested.He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. He added that Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. He further disclosed that follow-up operations led to the arrest of Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at another property linked to the alleged kingpin in Lakowe, while another suspect, Emeka Nwobum, was arrested at a residence allegedly used as the syndicate’s stash house.The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The charge alleged that the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate a clandestine laboratory for the production of methamphetamine, contrary to the provisions of the NDLEA Act.The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The prosecution also accused them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the laboratory in Ogun State.According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. According to the charge, the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.Related NewsEmefiele: Court admits ex-CBN gov statements in $4.5bn fraud trialLagos court jails auto dealer three years for N30m theftDrug menace fuels insecurity, stalls development, FG warnsThe charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The charge further alleged that investigators recovered 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the laboratory.Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Innocent was separately charged with permitting his property to be used for the production of illicit drugs.All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it had served the defence with the proof of evidence on July 3 and called seven witnesses to commence trial.The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. The defence, however, sought more time to prepare its case.Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Justice Kakaki subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 16 and July 22, 2026, for trial and hearing of their bail applications.Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Commenting on the arraignment, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s most significant operations against industrial-scale drug production in Nigeria.Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Marwa said, “The case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. “The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed.”Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations. Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks across the country and urged members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to support its operations.