Operatives of the Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Lagos Country Office as well as law enforcement authorities in Switzerland, France, and Greece, have dismantled a transnational criminal syndicate allegedly involved in laundering drug proceeds worth hundreds of billions of Naira across Europe and Nigeria.
The coordinated international operation led to the simultaneous arrest of an alleged billionaire drug kingpin, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, alongside two suspected accomplices, 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State, on Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
According to the agency, the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations carried out across several countries, which linked Amadi to large-scale laundering of proceeds from drug trafficking and other financial crimes.
The agency said, “This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes.
“In addition to the arrest of the suspects, the NDLEA, in collaboration with its international law enforcement partners, has also traced multi-billion assets linked to Amadi’s transnational criminal network in Nigeria and abroad.
“His operations in Nigeria included a complex scheme of front and shell companies; pass-throughs and delegates; and the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds.
Properties already identified and linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of illicit drug funds include Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; as well as Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja.
“Also, several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.”
Reacting to the breakthrough, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a strong signal of the agency’s determination to combat organised drug-related crimes and financial offences.
He noted that the success recorded through the joint operation involving the NDLEA, US-DEA, and other foreign partners demonstrates the agency’s “zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardise the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy.”
Marwa also commended the support provided by the US mission in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of intelligence sharing, tactical operations, case management, evidence gathering, and provision of operational equipment.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the United States and other international partners in tackling narcotics trafficking and related financial crimes.
“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide.
“Built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa stated.
