A Nigerian billionaire, Amadi Simon, has been arrested in Switzerland following a major international operation involving the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and European security agencies.
The NDLEA announced the arrest in a statement released on Thursday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, the operation followed months of investigations and intelligence gathering across several countries over alleged drug trafficking and money laundering activities linked to the suspect.
The NDLEA said the coordinated crackdown also led to the arrest of two alleged accomplices in Nigeria — 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State.
“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,” the statement said.
Investigators alleged that the syndicate operated an international financial network used to conceal proceeds of drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets and multiple bank accounts across different countries.
The anti-drug agency further disclosed that several luxury properties linked to the suspect and his associates had been identified during the investigation.
Among the properties listed were Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, as well as Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja.
The NDLEA also confirmed that several bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the alleged network had been frozen as investigations continue.
Chairman of the agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking and financial crimes.
Marwa stated that the NDLEA would continue collaborating with global partners to ensure Nigeria does not become a safe haven for drug cartels and illicit financial operations.
He also commended the support of the US-DEA and other international agencies, noting that intelligence sharing played a key role in dismantling the alleged network.
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