Federal High Court in Lagos fixed July 24 for ruling after special sitting at Mowe facility
The Federal High Court in Lagos will, on Friday, July 24, 2026 rule on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s application to destroy a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Ogun State.
Justice Musa Kakaki fixed the date after a special court sitting held on Wednesday at the facility in Mowe village, Ijebu East LGA.
—What NDLEA alleges—
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1. The lab: Operatives discovered equipment and chemicals allegedly used to produce 2,419.48kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of over ₦480 billion.
2. The defendants: 3 Mexicans and 7 Nigerians were arraigned on July 10 on an 11-count charge. They pleaded not guilty. The charges include manufacturing, possession, and managing/financing a drug trafficking network.
3. Chemicals seized: 358kg of toluene, 1,834kg of hydrochloric acid, and 22.5kg of acetone. Other alleged precursors: phenyl-2-propanone, phenylacetic acid.
4. Vehicles: A Toyota Tacoma, Mercedes-Benz APP 942 YL, and Toyota Highlander GWA 662 DJ were allegedly used to transport substances.
—Wednesday’s proceedings—
Prosecution witness, clandestine lab expert Ajilema Anebi, testified that substances recovered were used for production and storage of meth allegedly intended for export. He explained the role of alcohol and hydrochloric acid in production, including benzene.
Exhibits of equipment and chemicals were tendered, and an inventory had earlier been admitted.
NDLEA counsel Adekunle Adebanjo urged the court to grant leave to destroy the facility.
Defence counsel led by Benson Ndakara opposed aspects of the evidence and objected to some exhibits.
—Background—
The lab was reportedly hidden in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East LGA, and allegedly operated by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation.
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa said it was uncovered in May 2026 through coordinated intelligence in Lagos and Ogun.
In June, NDLEA also uncovered another multi-billion-naira meth lab in Oyo State and arrested 5 suspects, including a Mexican national allegedly recruited for technical expertise.
The court’s Friday ruling will determine if NDLEA can destroy the Ogun facility, which the agency describes as a major production hub allegedly destined for markets outside Nigeria.
