The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has fixed July 24, 2026, to rule on an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking judicial approval to destroy a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in a remote forest in Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Justice Musa Kakaki adjourned the matter after a special court session held on Wednesday at the location of the laboratory. The NDLEA told the court that the facility served as a major production centre for methamphetamine allegedly intended for export to international markets.

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According to the agency, the laboratory contained chemicals and equipment used in the production of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value exceeding ₦480 billion. The NDLEA argued that the facility poses significant security and environmental risks, prompting its application for immediate demolition.

The application follows the July 10, 2026, arraignment of three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians, who are facing an 11-count charge bordering on the alleged establishment and operation of the clandestine laboratory, manufacturing and possession of large quantities of methamphetamine, as well as operating a drug trafficking network. All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution alleged that the suspects coordinated the transportation of precursor chemicals from Lagos to the remote Ogun forest laboratory using several vehicles, including a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes-Benz (APP 942 YL) and a Toyota Highlander (GWA 662 DJ).

According to the NDLEA, the chemicals recovered from the facility included 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) and phenylacetic acid, all of which were allegedly intended for the manufacture of methamphetamine.

During Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution presented its first witness, Mr. Ajilema Anebi, a clandestine laboratory expert with the NDLEA, who testified that scientific analysis conducted by his team confirmed that the recovered substances and equipment were used in the production and storage of large quantities of methamphetamine intended for export.

Anebi also explained to the court the functions of various chemicals, including hydrochloric acid and alcohol, in the methamphetamine production process before tendering exhibits recovered from the laboratory. The inventory of the seized chemicals and equipment had earlier been admitted into evidence.

However, defence counsel, Benson Ndakara, objected to portions of the prosecution’s evidence and challenged some of the exhibits tendered before the court. The objections formed part of the arguments considered by Justice Kakaki before adjourning the matter.

The court is expected to deliver its ruling on July 24 on whether the NDLEA should be granted permission to demolish the alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory while the criminal trial of the ten defendants continues.

Newsworld reports that the allegations against the defendants remain before the court. Under Nigerian law, the accused persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.