NDLEA Arrests Suspected International Drug Baron After 17 Years in Hiding
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a suspected international drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, after 17 years of evading law enforcement. The 59-year-old suspect, who has been on the radar of global anti-narcotics agencies, was apprehended at his hideout in Lagos, Nigeria, following a coordinated operation involving the NDLEA, Interpol, and the National Intelligence Service of South Korea.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), disclosed the arrest during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday. He described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s efforts to dismantle drug trafficking syndicates operating within and outside Nigeria.
A Notorious International Drug Trafficker
According to Marwa, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is the leader of an international drug trafficking organization responsible for smuggling narcotics worth billions of naira into South Korea and other countries. “Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is not a typical domestic drug baron; he is an international trafficker operating both from Nigeria and abroad,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA boss revealed that Jeff had previously served a one-year prison sentence in South Korea in 2007 for drug-related offenses and was deported to Nigeria in 2008. Despite this, he continued his illicit activities, orchestrating drug trafficking operations to the Far East and other regions. “He is wanted in the Republic of Korea for multiple drug trafficking offenses committed between 2023 and 2024. An Interpol Red Notice was issued for his arrest and extradition to South Korea,” Marwa added.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
Jeff was arrested on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at his residence on No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos. A search of his hideout led to the recovery of multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many of which contained Korean visas. Additionally, illicit substances were found in a storehouse at the back of his house.
Marwa detailed how Jeff recruited young Nigerians as drug couriers to smuggle narcotics into South Korea. “Our records reveal that many Nigerians apprehended outside the country for drug-related offenses were linked to him. He also laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods,” he said.
Global Drug Trafficking Network
Investigations uncovered that Jeff’s syndicate operates across several African countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Liberia. He directed his couriers to smuggle drugs into South Korea via overseas flights, with recent shipments valued at over N1.4 billion. “On October 5, 2023, Jeff dispatched 6,051.06 grams of skunk, concealed in dried chillies and jujube, to South Korea. The package arrived at Incheon Airport on October 19, 2023, via Air France,” Marwa revealed.
The NDLEA also identified Jeff’s domestic carrier, known as “Asa,” who delivered drug consignments to a warehouse operated by Okori Emmanuel, Jeff’s supply manager in South Korea. Two arrest warrants have been issued against Jeff by the Seoul Central District Court in January and June 2024, charging him with violating South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, an offense punishable by life imprisonment.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Combating Drug Trafficking
Marwa reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a base for international drug trafficking operations. “We will continue our relentless fight against illicit drug networks and their financiers, in line with our mandate to safeguard public health and national security. The arrest of Ogbonnaya is an affirmation of our resolve to work with international partners to ensure no drug baron finds Nigeria a comfort zone,” he said.
The arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff marks a significant victory for the NDLEA and its international partners in the fight against drug trafficking. The operation underscores the agency’s determination to dismantle global drug networks and bring their leaders to justice. As the NDLEA continues its efforts to combat drug-related crimes, the arrest serves as a warning to other drug barons that Nigeria will not tolerate illicit activities within its borders.
The successful operation also highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational crimes. With the arrest of Jeff, the NDLEA has demonstrated its capability to tackle complex drug trafficking networks and protect Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.
