The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a suspected drug kingpin, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, at his hideout in Lagos. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the 59-year-old’s arrest, which follows 17 years of evading capture while running an international drug trafficking ring worth billions of naira.
In a statement made during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), highlighted the significance of this arrest. Marwa explained that the agency’s Special Operations Unit had been tracking Ogbonnaya following an Interpol red notice and intelligence shared by the National Intelligence Service of South Korea.
Marwa stated, “The arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is a major breakthrough in our efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking syndicates operating within Nigeria. As we outlined four years ago when we started reforms at the NDLEA, our primary targets are drug barons and key figures behind these criminal operations.”
Ogbonnaya, known for recruiting young Nigerians as couriers, is believed to have been smuggling illicit drugs into South Korea. He was apprehended on February 12, 2025, at his residence located at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos.
Marwa also assured that NDLEA would continue its efforts to ensure Nigeria does not become a hub for international drug trafficking.
