Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other European security agencies have arrested a suspected Nigerian billionaire drug kingpin, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland over an alleged international drug money laundering scheme.
The NDLEA disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi.
“The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated 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 28th April 2026.
“This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes,” the statement read.
According to the anti-narcotics agency, the syndicate allegedly operated an extensive financial system designed to move and conceal proceeds from drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets, and several bank accounts spread across different countries.
Investigators were also said to have uncovered luxury assets in Nigeria allegedly connected to the suspect and members of the network.
Among the properties identified are Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, and Jovi Apartment located in Mabushi, Abuja.
The agency further revealed that bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets linked to the operation had been frozen as investigations continue.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the arrests as a significant success in the fight against transnational drug trafficking and financial crimes.
Marwa said the agency remained committed to working closely with international partners to prevent Nigeria from becoming a destination for drug cartels and illicit financial networks.
He also commended the support of foreign security agencies, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations were instrumental in dismantling the syndicate.