The Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded Afolabi Kazeem Michael, popularly known as KC Luxury, a luxury goods dealer and lifestyle influencer, and two others over alleged cocaine trafficking and export. They were arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, and money laundering. The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the case relates to the alleged attempt to export 184.5 kilogrammes of cocaine to the United Kingdom between July 28 and August 1, 2026. The cocaine was concealed in five consignments sent through a courier logistics company in Lagos under the shipper’s name, Yemi Ejide. The consignments reportedly bore specific Airway Bill Numbers.
The defendants, Michael, Boniface Freeman Ochoche Sule, and Ikechukwu Ekugo Patriarch, conspired with two other suspects, Atandare Oladipupo Oluwarotimi and Latifat Yusuf, who have been arrested in London. The prosecution alleged that Sule procured Ekugo to facilitate the export, while Michael allegedly procured a staff member of BOT Express Logistics to process the consignments. Michael was also accused of unlawfully possessing the cocaine.
The charge alleged that N13.2m was paid from a Zenith Bank account belonging to Mallamawa Ventures to BOT Express Logistics as consideration for shipping the consignments. Sixteen other counts against Michael bordered on alleged money laundering. The NDLEA alleged that he moved several billions of naira through various companies and personal accounts, which were used to acquire motor vehicles and landed properties.
Following the defendants’ pleas, the NDLEA prosecutor opposed their bail applications and urged the court to remand them pending trial, citing the gravity of the alleged offences. The court subsequently ordered that the three defendants be remanded in the custody of the NDLEA and adjourned the case until October 4, 2026, for ruling on their bail applications.
Michael was arrested by NDLEA operatives on August 13, 2026, while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria on a business-class flight to Paris. His arrest followed the interception of the 184.5kg cocaine consignment allegedly destined for London. A subsequent search of his person and his Banana Island apartment reportedly led to the recovery of exotic vehicles, foreign currencies, and jewellery.
The alleged offences in the cocaine trafficking counts are punishable under Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act. The case has been adjourned until October 4, 2026, for ruling on the defendants' bail applications.
Key points
- The Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded KC Luxury and two others over alleged cocaine trafficking.
- The defendants were arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cocaine trafficking, and money laundering.
- The case has been adjourned until October 4, 2026, for ruling on the defendants' bail applications.
