The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, and his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
The arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of naira in proceeds from drug trafficking and other financial crimes.
In addition to the arrest of the suspects, the NDLEA, in collaboration with its international law enforcement partners, also traced multi-billion naira assets linked to Amadi’s transnational criminal network in Nigeria and abroad.
His operations in Nigeria involved a complex scheme of front and shell companies, pass-through accounts and proxies, as well as the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds.
Properties identified and linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of illicit drug trafficking include Jovi Hotel, located at 1 Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites, located at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja. Several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses allegedly used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of naira in illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.
Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the United States DEA and other international partners, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohammed Buba Marwa, said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operation sends a clear message that the NDLEA maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes that jeopardise the safety of Nigerians, the integrity of the country’s reputation and the stability of the economy.
He expressed gratitude for the support received from the US DEA in dismantling Amadi’s transnational criminal network, adding that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the agency in combating narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management and tactical operations, as well as the provision of critical equipment. He assured that the NDLEA would continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide. Built on a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa said.
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