By Damilola Adeleke

After 17 years of operating from the shadows, a notorious 59-year-old drug baron, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at his hideout in Ojo, Lagos. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks.

Announcing the arrest at a press briefing in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed that Ogbonnaya had been on an Interpol Red Notice and was under surveillance for years. Intelligence from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea played a crucial role in tracking him down.

According to NDLEA investigations, Ogbonnaya led a well-organized drug syndicate that smuggled illicit substances into South Korea, recruiting young Nigerians as couriers. Many Nigerians arrested abroad for drug-related offenses were linked to his network. He also laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods.

Despite serving a one-year prison sentence in South Korea in 2007 and being deported in 2008, Ogbonnaya resumed his illicit operations. NDLEA revealed that between 2023 and 2024 alone, he was responsible for sending drug shipments worth over ₦1.4 billion to South Korea. His trafficking routes extended across Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and other parts of East and Southern Africa.

During his arrest, operatives recovered multiple Nigerian passports with Korean visas belonging to different individuals. A search of his residence also led to the discovery of illicit substances stored at the back of his house.

The Seoul Central District Court had issued two arrest warrants for Ogbonnaya in January and June 2024 for drug trafficking violations, which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under South Korean law.

Marwa assured that the NDLEA remains committed to ensuring Nigeria does not serve as a hub for international drug trafficking. He emphasized that the agency will continue its relentless fight against illicit drug networks and their financiers, working closely with international partners to bring drug lords to justice.