By Our Correspondent
National News – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a suspected Nigerian billionaire, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland over an alleged international drug trafficking and money laundering operation.
The arrest followed a joint investigation involving the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and several European security agencies.
Authorities said the operation targeted a financial network accused of moving proceeds from illegal drug activities across multiple countries.
The NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed on Thursday that Simon was arrested alongside two suspected associates identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State.
According to the agency, the arrests were carried out simultaneously on April 28, 2026, after months of intelligence gathering and coordinated surveillance.
Investigators alleged that the syndicate used shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets and several bank accounts to hide and transfer billions of naira linked to drug trafficking and financial crimes.
The NDLEA also revealed that luxury properties connected to the suspects were uncovered during the investigation.
Among the properties traced to the network are Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, and Jovi Apartment located in Mabushi, Abuja.
Authorities said bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the operation have been frozen as investigations continue.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the arrests as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against international drug cartels and illicit financial transactions.
He praised the cooperation between Nigerian authorities, the US-DEA and European agencies, noting that intelligence sharing played a critical role in dismantling the network.
The agency stated that efforts would continue to prevent Nigeria from becoming a safe haven for organised drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
