After evading capture for nearly two decades, 51 year-old drug baron Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at his hideout in the Ojo area of Lagos.
Jeff, also known by the alias “Okem,” has been a significant figure in international drug trafficking since the early 2000s. His syndicate specialized in recruiting young Nigerians to smuggle narcotics into South Korea and other countries, leading to numerous arrests abroad linked to his operations.
On February 12, 2025, acting on intelligence from an Interpol Red Notice and the National Intelligence Service of South Korea, NDLEA operatives raided Jeff’s residence at No. 3, Ibukunoluwa Taiwo Close, off LASU Road in Lagos. The operation culminated in his arrest without resistance.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), praised the agency’s dedication in apprehending Jeff. “This arrest sends a clear message to all involved in the illicit drug trade: no matter how long it takes, we will find you, and you will face the full weight of the law,” Marwa stated.
Residents of the Ojo area expressed astonishment upon learning about Jeff’s true identity. Many were unaware of his criminal background, as he had maintained a facade of a legitimate businessman. “We never suspected anything; he was always quiet and kept to himself,” remarked a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.
Jeff is currently detained at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking and organized crime. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence, reflecting the severity of his alleged offenses.
The capture of Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking in Nigeria. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement agencies face in tracking and apprehending individuals who employ sophisticated methods to evade justice. As the legal proceedings unfold, this case serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice against those who threaten the nation’s well-being through illicit activities.
