Court Set to Decide on NDLEA Application to Destroy ₦480bn Ogun Meth Lab

A Federal High Court in Lagos has set Friday, July 24, to deliver a ruling on an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking authorization to destroy a massive clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Ogun State.

Justice Musa Kakaki fixed the date following a special court session conducted directly at the site of the facility located in Mowe village, within the Ijebu East Local Government Area.

The NDLEA had previously arraigned ten individuals—three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians—on an 11-count charge relating to the establishment, management, and operation of the illicit facility. According to the agency, operatives seized production equipment and precursor chemicals linked to the manufacturing of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated to carry a street value exceeding ₦480 billion.

During the recent court proceedings, the prosecution called its first witness, a clandestine laboratory expert, who detailed the scientific analysis of the recovered chemicals and equipment. The expert testified that the facility was configured for large-scale production intended for international markets.

Following the witness testimony, NDLEA prosecuting counsel Adekunle Adebanjo urged the court to grant leave for the immediate destruction of the laboratory site to prevent further public health and security risks.

Defense counsel, led by Benson Ndakara, raised formal objections to aspects of the prosecution’s evidence and the admissibility of certain tendered exhibits.

After receiving submissions from both legal teams, Justice Kakaki adjourned proceedings to July 24 for a formal ruling on whether the anti-narcotics agency may proceed with dismantling and destroying the facility.