The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, after 17 years on the run, during which he allegedly operated a global drug trafficking network worth billions of naira.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the 59-year-old suspect was apprehended at his hideout in Lagos, following an extensive investigation involving Interpol and the National Intelligence Service of South Korea. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the agency’s fight against international drug trafficking.
NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, stating:
“The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord who has been wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organization. This successful operation underscores our commitment to dismantling drug syndicates operating within and outside Nigeria.”
Global Drug Network and Laundering Activities
Marwa revealed that Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff had been under NDLEA surveillance for years due to his role in smuggling illicit substances to South Korea and other destinations. Intelligence reports indicate that he used young Nigerians as drug couriers and laundered proceeds through electronics imports and other businesses.
“Our records show that many Nigerians arrested abroad for drug-related offences were linked to him. We recovered multiple Nigerian passports with Korean visas from his residence, along with illicit substances stored at the back of his house,” Marwa added.
International Arrest Warrants and Criminal History
Ogbonnaya is not new to the drug underworld. Investigations reveal that he served a one-year prison sentence in South Korea in 2007 before being deported to Nigeria in 2008. However, he resumed his illicit trade, orchestrating drug shipments from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and other African countries to Asia.
Interpol issued a Red Notice for his arrest due to multiple drug trafficking offences between 2023 and 2024, leading to arrest warrants by the Seoul Central District Court in January and June 2024.
One of the key findings of the investigation includes:
- On October 5, 2023, Ogbonnaya allegedly shipped 6,051.06 grams of skunk, hidden in dried chillies and jujube, to Kim Dong Wook in South Korea. The package was seized at Incheon Airport on October 19, 2023.
- Between December 2023 and April 2024, he reportedly directed couriers Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea.
- His illicit shipments to South Korea alone were valued at over ₦1.4 billion in street price.
- He allegedly used a local associate, “Asa”, to transport drug consignments to a warehouse run by Okori Emmanuel, his supply manager in South Korea.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Drug War
The NDLEA boss reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to ensure that Nigeria does not serve as a hub for international drug trafficking.
“We will continue our relentless fight against drug cartels and their financiers. The arrest of Ogbonnaya is a clear message that Nigeria is not a safe haven for drug barons,” Marwa emphasized.
Authorities are now working on extradition proceedings, as Ogbonnaya faces life imprisonment in South Korea under the country’s Narcotics Control Act. The NDLEA assured that investigations will continue to identify and dismantle any remaining networks linked to him.
