Lagos, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 59-year-old Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, an internationally wanted drug baron, after 17 years on the run.
Jeff, who had two Interpol Red Notices issued against him in 2023 and 2024, was apprehended at his hideout in Ojo, Lagos. NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), announced the arrest in Abuja, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug syndicates.
“Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is not just a domestic drug trafficker; he is an international cartel leader. He has been actively smuggling illicit substances into South Korea and laundering drug proceeds through imported goods,” Marwa said.
Investigations disclosed Jeff had served a prison sentence in South Korea in 2007 before being deported to Nigeria in 2008. Despite this, he continued his drug trafficking operations, recruiting young Nigerians as couriers and coordinating shipments worth over N1.4 billion.
NDLEA operatives recovered multiple Nigerian passports with Korean visas from Jeff’s residence, along with illicit substances. Authorities also linked him to drug networks across Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and other African nations.
With pending arrest warrants from the Seoul Central District Court, Jeff faces possible extradition and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment in South Korea.
Marwa reaffirmed NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria is not a base for drug cartels, stating,
“No drug baron will find Nigeria a safe haven for their illicit trade.”
Margret Oshinowo | March 3, 2025
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