By Abigail Philip David
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a 59-year-old international drug trafficker, Ogbonnaya Jeff, in Lagos, ending his 17-year run from authorities.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed the arrest in Abuja on Monday, revealing that the agency’s Special Operations Unit had been tracking Ogbonnaya based on an Interpol Red Notice and intelligence from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.
Marwa stated that NDLEA had gathered irrefutable evidence of Ogbonnaya’s drug trafficking network, including his recruitment of young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into South Korea.
“The suspect, a key figure in an international drug cartel, was arrested at his hideout at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road, Lagos. He had been under our radar, and we have solid proof linking him to drug smuggling operations,” Marwa said.
According to the NDLEA chief, Ogbonnaya had previously served a one-year sentence in South Korea in 2007 before being deported in 2008. However, he resumed his illegal trade upon returning to Nigeria, orchestrating drug shipments to the Far East.
“Despite his deportation, he continued coordinating drug trafficking operations, making Nigeria a hub for illicit shipments. He is currently wanted in South Korea for multiple drug-related offences, with an Interpol Red Notice issued for his extradition,” Marwa added.
The NDLEA’s investigation revealed that Ogbonnaya had laundered drug proceeds through electronics imports and maintained a network spanning several African countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Liberia. A search of his residence uncovered multiple Nigerian passports with Korean visas and illicit substances.
Between December 2023 and April 2024, Ogbonnaya allegedly directed couriers to smuggle five kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea via international flights. In October 2023, he reportedly sent over six kilograms of skunk, disguised in dried chillies and jujube, to a South Korean contact.
“His drug syndicate has sent illicit drugs worth over N1.4 billion to South Korea in recent times. Two arrest warrants have been issued against him by the Seoul Central District Court for violating South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment,” Marwa stated.
Reaffirming NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, Marwa assured that Nigeria would not serve as a base for international drug cartels.
