NDLEA, US DEA Arrest Billionaire Drug Baron in Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA), successfully dismantled a drug syndicate, arresting billionaire drug baron Amadi Simon and two female co-conspirators, Jecinta Amara Ikechi (34) and Bless Ngozi Amadi (28). The arrests occurred on April 28, 2026, following extensive intelligence gathering and investigations across multiple jurisdictions.

The NDLEA's special operations unit traced assets worth hundreds of billions of naira linked to Amadi's network, which spanned Nigeria and several European countries. Properties identified as part of the drug proceeds included hotels and apartments in Delta State and Abuja, alongside numerous bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses allegedly used to conceal illicit funds.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Moham Buba Marwa, commended the operation, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration in combating drug trafficking and financial crimes.