The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 59-year-old international drug baron, Ogbonnaya Jeff, after 17 years of evading authorities. The wanted kingpin was caught at his hideout in the Ojo area of Lagos.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), confirmed the arrest on Monday during a press briefing in Abuja. He revealed that the agency’s Special Operations Unit had been tracking Ogbonnaya for years based on an Interpol Red Notice and intelligence from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea.
“The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organization,” Marwa said.
17 Years on the Run
Ogbonnaya, described as the mastermind of a global drug syndicate, had been under NDLEA investigation long before his arrest. According to Marwa, the agency gathered overwhelming evidence linking him to the recruitment of young Nigerians as drug couriers to smuggle narcotics into South Korea.
“Our records reveal that many Nigerians apprehended outside the country for drug-related offences were linked to him. Furthermore, we have established that he laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods,” Marwa explained.
When NDLEA operatives searched Ogbonnaya’s residence at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, they found multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many with South Korean visas. Some illicit substances were also discovered at the back of his house.
A Long Criminal History
Ogbonnaya had previously served a one-year prison sentence in South Korea in 2007 before being deported to Nigeria in 2008. However, instead of stopping, he resumed his illegal drug trade, smuggling large quantities of narcotics into the Far East.
“Despite his deportation in 2008, he continued his illicit trade, remaining actively involved in drug trafficking operations to the Far East. Presently, he is wanted in the Republic of Korea for multiple drug trafficking offences. An Interpol Red Notice was issued for his arrest and extradition to the country for crimes committed between 2023 and 2024,” Marwa added.
According to NDLEA investigations, Ogbonnaya was not just operating in Nigeria but had an extensive network spanning Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Liberia, and several East and Southern African countries.
Also Read:
- Woman Who Faked ₦500m Miracle Mansion Arrested – Prophet Ebuka Obi
- Abducted Zamfara Student Dies in Captivity Despite N10M Ransom Payment
Smuggling Drugs Worth Over ₦1.4 Billion
Between December 2023 and April 2024, Ogbonnaya allegedly directed two drug couriers—Santa Elizabeth Pieterse and Carl Yohan Stephan Brisman—to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea.
In another incident, he reportedly sent 6,051 grams of skunk (a potent cannabis strain) hidden in dried chilies and jujube to a Korean contact, Kim Dong Wook, at an address in Jinju City. The package, disguised as food, arrived at Incheon Airport on October 19, 2023.
“In recent times alone, he has sent illicit drugs worth over ₦1.4 billion in street value to South Korea,” Marwa disclosed.
South Korea Issues Arrest Warrants
South Korean authorities have been closely monitoring Ogbonnaya’s activities. The Seoul Central District Court issued two arrest warrants against him in January and June 2024 for importing narcotics in violation of South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act. The crime carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
NDLEA officials believe Ogbonnaya had a key accomplice in South Korea, identified as Okori Emmanuel, who acted as his supply manager. Another domestic courier, known as “Asa,” was responsible for transporting drugs to a warehouse.
With his arrest, NDLEA officials say they are now working closely with international agencies to ensure that Ogbonnaya faces justice.
“We are committed to dismantling drug cartels and bringing traffickers to justice. This arrest is a clear message that there is no hiding place for drug barons,” Marwa declared.
Ogbonnaya is currently in NDLEA custody, awaiting extradition proceedings.