NDLEA, US, EUROPEAN AGENCIES BUST ‘BILLIONAIRE DRUG BARON’ NETWORK
...Three suspects held in global sting; hotels, multi-billion assets linked to syndicate
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France and Greece, has dismantled a transnational network accused of laundering “hundreds of billions of naira” in drug proceeds across Europe and Nigeria. The NDLEA said the multi-year operation culminated in coordinated arrests on 28 April 2026.
Three suspects were arrested simultaneously, according to the agency. They are Amadi Simon, held in Switzerland, and co-accused Jecinta Amara Ikechi, 34, arrested in Anambra State, and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, 28, arrested in Agbor, Delta State. The suspects could not be reached for comment. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said investigators traced assets allegedly tied to the syndicate, including Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, and Jovi Apartment in Abuja’s Mabushi district. Several bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets allegedly used to conceal illicit funds have been identified and blocked, the agency said. The network allegedly used front companies and pass-through accounts to launder proceeds.
Marwa said the arrests “send a clear message” that Nigeria will not be a sanctuary for drug cartels or their criminal proceeds. He thanked the US-DEA for intelligence and operational support, adding that the NDLEA “remains relentless” in pursuing narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes.
