NDLEA Arraigns Drug Kingpin and 9 Others in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned alleged drug kingpin Anochili Innocent, 63, along with three Mexican nationals and six other suspects before the Federal High Court in Lagos. They face an 11-count charge that includes conspiracy, unlawful manufacture of methamphetamine, and possession of precursor chemicals.

The NDLEA described the operation as one of Nigeria's largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, located in Abidagba village, Ijebu East local government area of Ogun State. Investigators recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over N480 billion on the international market.

The arrests occurred during coordinated operations from May 16 to 18, 2026, with seven suspects apprehended at the lab and Anochili arrested at his luxury residence in Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos. The prosecution alleges that the syndicate transported chemicals from Lagos to Ogun State and that Anochili allowed his property to be used for illegal drug manufacturing.

All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.