NDLEA, US-DEA Bust Multi-Billion-Naira Transnational Drug-Money Laundering Network, Arrest Three Suspects
Operatives of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA) Lagos Country Office, have dismantled a transnational criminal organisation involved in drug trafficking and money laundering operations worth hundreds of billions of naira across Europe and Nigeria.
According to a statement made available to ThelensNG on Thursday by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the collaboration also involved law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, France, and Greece.
Babafemi confirmed that the multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operation culminated in the coordinated arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, alongside his co-conspirators — Jecinta Amara Ikechi, 34, in Anambra State, and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, 28, in Agbor, Delta State — on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
“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,” he stated.
Babafemi highlighted properties already identified as proceeds of illicit drug trafficking and linked to Amadi Simon, including Jovi Hotel, located at 1 Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites, located at 4 Orikeze Street, by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment, located at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja.
The spokesperson added that several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of naira in illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.
Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the US-DEA, and other international partners, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), noted that the success of the multi-country and multi-year operation sends a clear message that the NDLEA maintains “a 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 expressed gratitude for the support received from the US-DEA in dismantling Amadi’s transnational criminal network, affirming that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the Agency in combating narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence gathering, evidence collection, case management, tactical operations, and the provision of critical equipment.
He assured that the NDLEA would continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
The NDLEA boss reiterated the Agency’s commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where perpetrators attempt to hide.
He further stated: “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.”
