The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned two alleged drug kingpins before the Federal High Court in Enugu over an alleged conspiracy to operate a methamphetamine laboratory in Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The defendants, identified as 45 year old Chukwu Christopher, also known as “Brown,” and 60 year old Chukwu Monday, also known as “George,” were arraigned on Thursday, September 24, 2026, before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello.
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the defendants face a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, alleged organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals allegedly intended for methamphetamine production.
The agency said the charges were filed under relevant provisions of the NDLEA Act.
Babafemi said the case followed investigations by the agency’s Special Operations Unit into an alleged transnational drug operation involving a suspected Mexican national, Rodriguez Villanueva, who is reportedly based in Mexico.
Other individuals named in the charge, including Uchenna, alias Uche, and Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu, are reportedly still at large, according to the NDLEA.
The agency said surveillance operations conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked Christopher’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra before operatives allegedly discovered a clandestine laboratory at a compound in Obeagu.
The NDLEA said the facility was equipped with improvised reactors and distillation equipment and was allegedly capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
According to the agency, a search of the premises led to the recovery of large quantities of chemicals, including methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, toluene, acetone, liquid sodium hydroxide, N-phenylacetamide, lead acetate and tartaric acid.
The agency also said a separate search of Monday’s family residence allegedly led to the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.
The NDLEA described the discoveries as evidence of an alleged large-scale methamphetamine manufacturing operation.
The defendants pleaded to the charges before the court.
Following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing, Justice Segun Bello reportedly adjourned the matter until October 21, 2026, for trial.
The defendants remain presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of law.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
