A multi-billion naira transnational criminal network has been dismantled following a high-stakes global sting operation involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, France, and Greece. The operation, which spanned several years and multiple jurisdictions, culminated in the simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, and two suspected female kingpins in Nigeria.
Arrests in Nigeria and Switzerland
The accomplices, identified as Jecinta Amara Ikechi, 34, and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, 28, were apprehended in Anambra and Delta states respectively on Tuesday, 28 April 2026. Investigations revealed that Simon operated a sophisticated money laundering ring that moved hundreds of billions of naira in illicit proceeds across Europe and Nigeria. The syndicate reportedly utilized a complex web of shell companies, cryptocurrency accounts, and pass-through delegates to conceal the origins of their wealth.
Asset Seizures and Frozen Accounts
Following the arrests, the NDLEA has moved to seize multi-billion naira assets linked to the network. These include the Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Delta State, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, and the Jovi Apartment complex in the Mabushi district of Abuja. Numerous bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses used by the cartel have also been identified and frozen.
NDLEA Chairman's Statement
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), in a statement, hailed the success of the operation, stating that it sends a definitive message to international criminal organizations. He said, “The NDLEA maintains a zero tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardize the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy.”
Marwa expressed profound gratitude to the US-DEA Lagos Country Office and European partners for their tactical support, intelligence sharing, and provision of critical equipment. He assured of the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria is no longer a sanctuary for drug proceeds. “The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide. We are 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 stated.
International Support and Future Cooperation
The US Mission to Nigeria has reportedly pledged continued support to the NDLEA, focusing on advanced training in intelligence, evidence collection, and case management to prevent the resurgence of such networks.
