Amadi Simon, a suspected Nigerian billionaire drug baron in Switzerland has been arrested over alleged international drug money laundering activities.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and European security agencies, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
“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: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, in Anambra state, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta state on Tuesday 28th April 2026.
“This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes,” the statement read.
According to the agency, the syndicate allegedly ran a sophisticated financial network used to move and conceal proceeds of drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets, and multiple bank accounts across several countries.
Investigators also traced several luxury properties in Nigeria allegedly linked to the suspect and his associates.
The properties include Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, and Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja.
The NDLEA said bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the network have been frozen as part of ongoing investigations.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking and financial crime.
He said the agency will continue working with global partners to ensure Nigeria does not become a safe haven for drug cartels or illicit financial networks.
Marwa also commended the support of the US-DEA and other international agencies, noting that intelligence sharing and coordinated operations were crucial in dismantling the alleged network.
