The NDLEA has arraigned 10 suspects, including a 63-year-old alleged drug baron, Anochili Innocent, and three Mexican nationals, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over a massive methamphetamine operation valued at over N480 billion. The defendants were charged on Friday, 10 July 2026, before Justice Musa Kakaki on 11 counts relating to the establishment of a super clandestine lab and the production of 2,419.48kg of methamphetamine in Mowe village, Ijebu East LGA, Ogun State.
According to the agency, the suspects were arrested in coordinated raids between 16 and 18 May 2026. Four Nigerians and the three Mexicans — Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, and Jesus López Valles — were arrested at the lab concealed in Mowe forest on 16 May. Anochili was picked up the same day at his Lekki residence, while two other Nigerians were later arrested on 18 May at properties in Lakowe linked to the cartel. The charges include conspiracy to produce meth, financing a drug trafficking organisation, transporting precursor chemicals such as toluene, P2P and hydrochloric acid in vehicles including a Toyota Tacoma and Mercedes Benz, and unlawful possession of the drugs. Anochili faces an additional count for allegedly allowing his land to be used for the illicit production.
All 10 pleaded not guilty. After the prosecution called seven witnesses, the defence requested more time and the court remanded the defendants in the Lagos Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to 16 and 22 July for trial and bail hearing. NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, rtd, said the case marks one of the biggest dismantlings of an industrial-scale drug lab in Nigeria and highlights the growing involvement of foreign cartels. He vowed the agency would continue to track and dismantle such networks and urged the public to support with credible information.
