The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully apprehended 59-year-old Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, an internationally wanted drug baron, after 17 years in hiding. Jeff, who had been evading law enforcement despite two Interpol Red Notices issued against him in 2023 and 2024, was captured at his hideout in the Ojo area of Lagos. This significant arrest underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking and dismantling international drug syndicates.
Background of the Fugitive
Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is not a typical domestic drug trafficker; he is an international cartel leader with extensive operations spanning multiple countries. His criminal activities included smuggling illicit substances into South Korea and laundering drug proceeds through imported goods. In 2007, Jeff was convicted and served a prison sentence in South Korea. Following his release in 2008, he was deported to Nigeria. Undeterred, Jeff resumed his drug trafficking operations upon his return, recruiting young Nigerians as couriers and coordinating shipments worth over N1.4 billion.
Details of the Arrest
The NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit had been meticulously tracking Jeff’s activities, acting on intelligence from Interpol and the National Intelligence Service of South Korea. On February 12, 2025, operatives successfully apprehended Jeff at his residence located at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos. During the raid, multiple Nigerian passports with Korean visas and quantities of illicit substances were recovered. Further investigations revealed Jeff’s connections to drug networks across Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and other African nations, highlighting the extensive reach of his operations.
Legal Implications and Potential Extradition
Jeff’s criminal activities had not gone unnoticed internationally. The Seoul Central District Court had issued arrest warrants against him, and with the existing Interpol Red Notices, there is a strong possibility of his extradition to South Korea. If extradited and convicted, Jeff faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, reflecting the severity of his offenses.
NDLEA’s Stance on Drug Trafficking
Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, emphasized the agency’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not become a sanctuary for drug cartels. He stated, “No drug baron will find Nigeria a safe haven for their illicit trade.” Marwa also highlighted that the NDLEA’s primary targets are drug barons and key figures orchestrating drug trafficking rings, reaffirming the agency’s dedication to dismantling such networks.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking. It sends a clear message to international drug syndicates that Nigeria remains vigilant and committed to collaborating with global partners to combat illicit drug activities. The NDLEA’s relentless efforts continue to safeguard the nation from the scourge of drug trafficking and its associated crimes.
