Operatives from the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit, in close coordination with the US DEA Lagos Office and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece, have dismantled a transnational criminal organization involved in drug money laundering operations worth hundreds of billions of Naira across Europe and Nigeria.
The multi-country investigation led to the simultaneous arrest of billionaire drug lord Amadi Simon in Switzerland, along with his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State, on April 28, 2026. This followed months of intelligence gathering and cross-jurisdictional investigations linking Amadi to laundering billions of Naira from drug and financial crimes.
In addition to the arrests, NDLEA and international partners have traced multi-billion-naira assets linked to Amadi’s criminal network in Nigeria and abroad. His operations involved a complex scheme of front and shell companies, pass-throughs, delegates, and numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts used to conceal and launder illicit funds.
Properties linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of drug funds include: Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase 1, Asaba; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja. Several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses used by the cartel to hide hundreds of billions of Naira have also been identified and blocked.
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Speaking on the joint efforts, NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that the success of these operations sends a clear message that NDLEA maintains “a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that threaten the safety of Nigerians, our national reputation, and economic stability.”
He appreciated the US DEA’s support in dismantling Amadi’s network, noting that the US Mission to Nigeria has continued partnering with NDLEA through training, intelligence sharing, case management, tactical operations, and equipment provision.
Marwa affirmed NDLEA’s commitment to relentlessly pursue those involved in narcotics trafficking and financial crimes, regardless of where they hide. “Built on strategic partnerships, integrity, and professionalism, NDLEA is dedicated to ensuring Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers nor a sanctuary for their proceeds,” he stated.
