The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have dismantled a billion-naira drug money laundering network, arresting a billionaire drug baron and two female kingpins while tracing multi-billion-naira assets in Nigeria and abroad.
The coordinated takedown on April 28, 2026, resulted in the simultaneous arrest of Amadi Simon, described as the billionaire drug baron and ringleader, in Switzerland, alongside Jecinta Amara Ikechi, 34, in Anambra State, and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, 28, in Agbor, Delta State.
The arrests followed months of intelligence-led investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking the trio to the laundering of hundreds of billions of naira in proceeds from drug trafficking and financial crimes.
Sophisticated money laundering network exposed
According to the NDLEA, Amadi’s transnational criminal organization operated a complex scheme using front and shell companies, pass-through entities, and delegates to conceal and move illicit funds. The group also leveraged numerous traditional bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets to mask the origin of the money across Europe and Nigeria.
Properties already identified and linked to Amadi as proceeds of illicit drug funds include: Jovi Hotel, 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites, 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State and Jovi Apartment, Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja
Several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses associated with the cartel have also been identified and blocked as part of the ongoing asset recovery process.
Marwa: Nigeria will not be a sanctuary for drug cartels
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said the success of the multi-year, multi-country operation underscores the agency’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that threaten national security and economic stability.
“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” Marwa 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.”
He expressed gratitude to the US-DEA for its support in cracking the network and noted that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria continues to partner with the agency through training in intelligence gathering, evidence collection, case management, tactical operations, and provision of critical equipment. Marwa pledged that the NDLEA will further expand cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
Global collaboration delivers results
The operation involved close coordination between the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit and the US-DEA Lagos Country Office, with support from law enforcement agencies in Switzerland, France, and Greece.
The NDLEA said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and to recover additional assets linked to the network.
