Crime
PHOTOS: Billionaire drug baron, 2 female kingpins nabbed as NDLEA, US-DEA collaborate in global sting operation
Operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in close coordination with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office, and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece, have successfully dismantled a Transnational Criminal Organization allegedly involved in drug money laundering operations running into hundreds of billions of Naira across Europe and Nigeria.
The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated simultaneous arrest of an alleged billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon in Switzerland and his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, in Anambra state, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta state on Tuesday 28th April 2026.
This was disclosed Thursday, May 7, 2026, by Director, Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi.
According to Babafemi, the arrests 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 Phase1, 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; while several bank accounts and crypto currency addresses used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.
Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the United States DEA, and other international partners, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operations has sent a clear message that the NDLEA maintains “a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardize the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy.”
He expressed gratitude for the support received from the US-DEA to crack and dismantle Amadi’s transnational criminal network, adding that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the Agency to combat narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management, and tactical operations as well as the provision of critical equipment.
He assured that NDLEA will continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
“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.
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested one Udeme Emmanuel Ekpeme, “m”aged 39, over allegations of impersonation, obtaining money by false pretence, and the unlawful use of medical equipment.
The suspect was arrested by Police officers attached to Uwanse Division ,Calabar South following a complaint lodged by Mrs. Edemawan Samuel, 45, who alleged that the suspect falsely presented himself as a medical doctor and fraudulently obtained the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) from her under the false promise of securing employment for her children at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH).
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly used the false representation to deceive the complainant into parting with the money. Relevant exhibits believed to be connected to the case were recovered during the investigation, and the suspect is currently in police custody.
Confirming his arrest to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, ASP Eitokpah Akata, said state Commissioner of Police, has directed that a thorough investigation be carried out to establish the full circumstances surrounding the case and determine whether there are other victims. Akata added that upon the conclusion of investigations, the suspect will be charged to court if sufficient evidence is established.
He mentioned that the command is actively conducting a discreet investigation into the matter to uncover the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any other possible victims or accomplices. Members of the public are assured that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Badagry Area Command, has uncovered an alleged fake university operating from a three-bedroom apartment in Ilado, Olorunda Local Council Development Area, of Lagos State, and rescued 106 youths allegedly lured into the scheme. AkwaIbom News
The Corps also arrested the alleged proprietor of the institution, which reportedly recruited young people from different parts of Nigeria and neighbouring West African countries with promises of admission into a foreign university.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Monday after days of intelligence gathering and covert surveillance, exposed what security officials described as an alleged fraudulent academic and recruitment scheme.
The youths, mostly aged between 19 and 24, were taken into protective custody by the NSCDC for profiling and further investigation.
Confirming their arrest to newsmen, the Badagry Area Commander of the NSCDC, Chief Superintendent Gbenga Ekunola, said the operation followed credible intelligence received by the command on activities at the apartment.
“We got reliable intelligence about the activities going on there. Our officers monitored the place for days before moving in. We have arrested the proprietor, who is assisting with our investigation, while the students have been taken into our protective custody.”
Preliminary investigations indicated that unsuspecting young people were allegedly persuaded to pay admission and processing fees after being promised admission into a foreign tertiary institution.
The victims reportedly paid between N200,000 and N1.5 million, while some foreign nationals and other participants allegedly paid between $400 and $500.
However, the alleged admission scheme reportedly came with a recruitment condition, with participants encouraged to bring in more people in return for commissions.
The arrangement allegedly operated like a chain marketing or Ponzi scheme, with participants promised increasing financial rewards based on the number of new students they recruited.
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The 10-year-old Chiziterem Ozuluigbo, whose case sparked nationwide outrage over child abuse has been discharged from the hospital after making a full recovery.
The minor was discharged from hospital on Saturday 18th July and arrived his hometown, Umuofiagu-Ukehe, Igbo-Etiti LGA of Enugu State on Sunday.
Chiziterem’s case attracted national attention in June after a viral video showed him with severe burns and other injuries allegedly inflicted by his guardians in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The incident triggered widespread condemnation across Nigeria and renewed calls for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and improved safeguards for vulnerable children. Demographics
Following the incident, the Anambra State Government facilitated his admission to a medical facility for specialised treatment and pledged to oversee his recovery while supporting his family.
Medical caregivers confirmed that, in addition to treatment for his burns and other physical injuries, Chiziterem underwent psychological therapy to aid his recovery from the trauma associated with the alleged abuse.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command arraigned the child’s former guardians, Mr. Chukwudi Chukwuyere, 40, and Mrs. Chisom Chukwuyere, 30, over the alleged abuse.
The suspects have been remanded in a correctional facility pending trial.
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