The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully arrested Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a notorious international drug trafficker, 17 years after a manhunt was launched for him. The arrest was confirmed by the Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) during a press briefing on Monday.
Key Developments in the Arrest
The 59-year-old drug lord was arrested at his hideout in Ojo, Lagos following an extensive investigation by NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit, with support from Interpol and South Korea's National Intelligence Service. Jeff has been wanted globally for leading an international drug trafficking syndicate, responsible for smuggling illicit drugs, including methamphetamine and skunk, to destinations in the Far East.
"Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff is not a typical domestic drug baron; he is an international trafficker operating both from Nigeria and abroad," Marwa said, detailing Jeff’s significant role in global drug trade operations.
Jeff's Criminal Network and Activities
Jeff’s criminal network stretched across several African countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Liberia. The NDLEA uncovered his operations, which involved recruiting young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle narcotics into South Korea.
The NDLEA investigation revealed that Jeff:
- Directed the smuggling of 6,051 grams of skunk from Burkina Faso to South Korea in October 2023.
- Orchestrated the trafficking of 5 kilograms of methamphetamine between December 2023 and April 2024 via overseas flights.
- Has been responsible for sending illicit drugs worth over N1.4 billion to South Korea in recent times.
Jeff’s Previous Conviction and Continued Operations
In 2007, Jeff was sentenced to one year in prison in South Korea for drug trafficking. He was deported to Nigeria in 2008 but continued his operations, becoming the leader of an international drug syndicate. Despite previous convictions, he remained actively involved in smuggling operations.
Currently, Jeff is wanted by South Korean authorities for multiple drug trafficking charges, with two arrest warrants issued by the Seoul Central District Court for his involvement in smuggling narcotics between 2023 and 2024.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Combating Drug Trafficking
Brigadier General Marwa emphasized that the arrest of Jeff is a significant blow to the international drug trafficking network and highlights the NDLEA’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria does not serve as a base for illicit drug trafficking.
“The arrest of Ogbonnaya is a reflection of our unwavering resolve to work with international partners to dismantle global drug syndicates,” Marwa added, underscoring the agency's ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and national security.
With the arrest of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, the NDLEA continues its relentless fight against drug trafficking and the financiers behind these dangerous networks, sending a strong message to international drug lords that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for illicit trade.
