Nigerian billionaire drug baron, female accomplices busted in global sting operation

.. Three hotels in Delta, Abuja, multi-billion assets linked to syndicate

By Ayorinde Oluokun

A Nigerian billionaire international drug baron identified as Amadi Simon has been arrested in Switzerland in a coordinated operation involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office, and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece.

His alleged his co-conspirators identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi were also arrested in Anambra and Delta states respectively.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA revealed the arrests in s atatement issued in Abuja on Thursday.

Babafemi said the Simon was arrested on Tuesday 28th April 2026 following months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking him to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes across Europe and Nigeria.

He added that in addition to the arrests, the NDLEA, in collaboration with its international law enforcement partners, has also traced multi-billion assets linked to Amadi’s transnational criminal network in Nigeria and abroad.

The NDLEA Spokesperson said the operations of Amadi in Nigeria included a complex scheme of front and shell companies; pass-throughs and delegates; and the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds.

Babafemi said Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State as well as Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja which were linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of illicit drug funds have also been impounded,

He added that while several bank accounts and crypto currency addresses used by the Amadi-led cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of 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, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operations has sent a clear message that the NDLEA maintains “a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardize the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy.”

He expressed gratitude for the support received from the US-DEA to crack and dismantle Amadi’s transnational criminal network, adding that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the Agency to combat narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management, and tactical operations as well as the provision of critical equipment. He assured that NDLEA will 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 upon 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 stated.