ABUJA, Nigeria — After 17 years of evading law enforcement, a suspected notorious Nigerian drug trafficker, Kevin Jeff Ogbonnaya, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at his hideout in Lagos.
The 51-year-old, who hails from Afikpo, Ebonyi State, was apprehended at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Ojo, Lagos, following an extensive investigation and intelligence-sharing between the NDLEA, Interpol, and the National Intelligence Service of South Korea.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), confirmed the arrest at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, March 3, 2025, stating that Ogbonnaya had been a high-profile target wanted internationally for his leadership of a major drug trafficking network.
International Drug Syndicate Busted
Marwa detailed how Ogbonnaya’s operations spanned multiple countries, with many Nigerians arrested abroad for drug-related offences linked to his syndicate.
“The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord who is wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organisation,” Marwa said.
“On Wednesday, 12th February 2025, we achieved that objective in the successful arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff. He has been under NDLEA investigation before his arrest.
“As a result, we have comprehensive intelligence on his activities and incontrovertible facts that he is a notorious drug lord who recruited young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into the Republic of Korea (South Korea).”
According to the NDLEA, Ogbonnaya was responsible for trafficking drugs worth billions of naira worldwide, operating in the shadows while laundering his proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods.
During the raid on his Ojo hideout, NDLEA operatives recovered multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many containing Korean visas.
Illicit substances were hidden in a storehouse at the back of his residence.
Authorities say his network of drug couriers was responsible for several high-profile arrests of Nigerians abroad, particularly in South Korea, where drug laws are strictly enforced.
The NDLEA has vowed to intensify investigations into Ogbonnaya’s operations, including uncovering his financial networks and identifying additional accomplices.
His arrest is being described as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against international drug trafficking and organised crime.
With the Interpol red notice still active against him, further legal proceedings are expected to determine his extradition status or trial within Nigeria.
