Socialite and businessman Afolabi Kazeem Michael, widely known as KC Luxury, has dragged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before the Federal High Court in Lagos, demanding ₦190 million in damages over what he describes as unlawful arrest, detention, invasion of privacy, and the alleged circulation of his photographs and videos while in custody.
Michael's legal action, filed through his lawyer, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal (SAN), challenges his continued detention without a criminal charge, arguing that it violates his constitutional right to personal liberty. The suit also seeks his immediate release or bail on favourable terms pending the filing of any charges.
The development comes after NDLEA operatives arrested KC Luxury on August 13, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos as he prepared to travel to Paris. The agency linked his arrest to an ongoing investigation into the seizure of 184.50kg of cocaine allegedly connected to an international drug trafficking network using Nigeria as a transit point for shipments destined for the United Kingdom, Europe, and Asia.
Family Alleges 14-Day Detention Without Charge or Warrant
In an affidavit sworn by his father, Eric Afolabi, the family alleged that KC Luxury spent 14 days in NDLEA custody without being informed of the specific offence for which he was held or formally charged before a court. The affidavit further claimed that NDLEA operatives searched KC Luxury's residence at Movamo Court, Banana Island, Lagos, following his arrest without producing a search warrant, and that the search uncovered no incriminating material.
The NDLEA, however, stated that its investigation resulted in the seizure of foreign currencies and luxury items, as well as searches carried out in connection with the case. The agency has not yet filed a formal charge against Michael, and the allegations contained in the suit remain undetermined by the court.
Court Orders NDLEA to Produce KC Luxury at Next Hearing
Presiding Judge Friday Ogazi declined to grant the application ex parte and directed that the NDLEA be served with the case and given an opportunity to respond. The judge also ordered the agency to produce KC Luxury in court at the next hearing, serve the relevant documents within four working days, and file its response within five days of service.
The case has been adjourned until September 9, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive application. At that hearing, the court will determine whether the continued detention of KC Luxury without charge is constitutional and whether he is entitled to the ₦190 million in damages he is seeking.
