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.
Crime
PHOTOS: TROOPS OF 12 BRIGADE RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIMS, FOIL TERRORIST LOGISTICS MOVEMENT IN KOGI STATE
Troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes in Kogi State, rescuing kidnapped victims and foiling a terrorist logistics movement in separate but coordinated operations conducted on 6 May 2026.
In a major breakthrough under Operation TIGER PAW II, troops successfully rescued the remaining kidnapped victims from the Daarul-Kitab Islamic Orphanage following sustained search and rescue efforts. Acting on credible intelligence and maintaining persistent operational pressure, troops of the Brigade’s Blocking Force intercepted and recovered the victims within the Agbaja Forest general area in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The rescued victims comprised five boys, two girls, and two adult females, believed to be the wives of the proprietor of the orphanage. They were promptly evacuated to the 12 Brigade Medical Centre where they received immediate medical attention and first aid. All victims are reported to be in stable condition.
In a related development on the same day, troops acting on credible intelligence on the activities of an arms and ammunition syndicate intercepted and apprehended a suspected terrorist ammunition courier along road Obajana–Lokoja in Lokoja Local Government Area. The suspect, identified as Yahaya Umar, was found in possession of 500 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition concealed inside a bag of maize in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a key logistics courier involved in the movement of arms and ammunition for terrorists across states within the North Central region.
Further interrogation indicated that the ammunition was handed over to him at Obajana Forest and was being transported to Dikko Junction in Suleja, Niger State, for delivery to a yet-to-be-identified terrorist.
The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing further interrogation to aid ongoing operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and apprehending other members of the syndicate.
These coordinated successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while sustaining aggressive operations against terrorists and their collaborators. Members of the public are encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts.
HASSAN ABDULLAHI
Lieutenant
Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations
12 Brigade Nigerian Army
6 May 2026
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Crime
PHOTOS: Five Nigerians and six Ghanaians arrested for allegedly using deepfake AI-generated video to impersonate President Mahama
Eleven individuals including five Nigerians have been arrested in Ghana for allegedly using deepfake AI-generated video content to impersonate President John Dramani Mahama.
The suspects were arrested by the Inspector-General of Police’s (IGPs) Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) of the Ghana Police Service.
In a statement on Thursday, May 7, 2026, CVET disclosed that the suspects are part of a wider network engaged in the creation and dissemination of fraudulent digital contents designed to impersonate high-profile personalities for financial gains.
The team retrieved several exhibits, including laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards, and a Nigerian-registered ML 350 Mercedes-Benz with registration number Lagos LSR 138HR.
“Between 1st and 3rd May 2026, CVET conducted coordinated cyber operations at Sogakope, Dabala, Tongu, Akatsi and Aflao in the Volta Region which led to the arrest of suspects: Raphael Ablordeppey, 32 years; Anipah Jonathan, 23 years; Dzamesi Bright Kofi, 35 years; Thomas Ayoyo, 17 years and Louis Segbawu, 18 years, following intelligence on a group of individuals allegedly involved in the creation and online circulation of AI-generated video contents impersonating President John Dramani Mahama,” the statement read.
“On 4th May 2026, further cyber field tracking operation also led to the arrest of additional five suspects who are Nigerians and one Ghanaian engaged in the similar online fraudulent activities in Aflao.
“The five suspects are Bishop Esiri, aged 46; Wisdom James, aged 25; Ali Lucky, aged 23; Edwin Edos, aged 22; and John Kofi Darlington aged 20, with suspect Danu Peter, aged 19, being the only Ghanaian among the second group.
“The team retrieved several exhibits including laptop computers, mobile phones, internet routers, 120 pre-registered SIM cards and a Nigeria registered ML 350 Mercedes Benz with registration number Lagos LSR 138HR.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects used the fraudulent AI-generated contents to fraudulently solicit money and sensitive personal information from unsuspecting members of the public through online platforms.
“It was further established that the suspects are part of a wider network engaged in the creation and dissemination of fraudulent digital contents designed to impersonate high-profile personalities for financial gains.
“In court yesterday (6th May, 2026), nine out of the 11 suspects were remanded into police custody to reappear on 25th May, 2026, while two, Thomas Ayoyo and Louis Segbawu were granted bail with two sureties to be justified.”
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Tourist police have arrested a Nigerian man for allegedly selling cocaine in Phuket, Thailand.
The suspect identified as Samuel Egbujonuma Silas, was arrested in cocaine sting operation on Thursday, May 7, 2026, after an undercover investigation targeting foreign suspects linked to drug sales in the resort town.
Officers seized more than 10 grams of cocaine from Silas at a clothing store in Patong and found he had overstayed his visa by 550 days, police said.
He was charged with possession and intent to sell a Category 2 narcotic (cocaine) and overstaying his visa.
The suspect was transfered to Patong Police Station for prosecution.
Pol Lt Gen Saksira Puek-am said he ordered the crackdown to address offences committed by foreigners.
Investigators used undercover agents to infiltrate groups suspected of selling narcotics in the area.
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